Staying in present: Amit Rohidas not thinking retirement, keeps LA 2028 in sight

Heading into the Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali, one of the biggest talking points was the future of four Indian hockey players. Rumours suggested that the tournament could be the swansong in Indian colours for Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Nilakanta Sharma and Amit Rohidas.

While Mandeep and Jarmanpreet firmly rejected the claims and made their Olympic ambitions for 2028 clear, Nilakanta confirmed that the ACT would be his final tournament for India, announcing his retirement from international hockey. Amid all the speculation, Amit remained quiet, letting his performances on the field do the talking.

At 33, Rohidas has been a rock in India's defence since making his senior international debut in 2013. A first rusher of the highest quality, he has forged a formidable defensive partnership with Harmanpreet Singh and can also step up as a drag-flicker when required.

In 259 appearances for the senior national team, Rohidas has scored 55 goals. His trophy cabinet tells its own story, with two Olympic bronze medals, two Asian Games gold medals and two Asia Cup titles to his name.

Yet, it is not just the medals or the numbers that define Rohidas. His work ethic and commitment have been central to his journey with the national team.

That journey, however, was far from straightforward. Despite making an impression after his debut in 2013, competition for places in defence meant Rohidas was often in and out of the side, struggling to establish himself as a regular.

The breakthrough came in 2017, when he finally got the opportunity to cement his place in the team. Since then, he has become a vital cog in India's success, offering reliability at the back and versatility when the situation demands it.KEEPING IT REAL

One of Rohidas' biggest strengths has been his ability to keep things simple. Whether on the field or off it, he does not overcomplicate matters. He understands his role, sticks to the task at hand and lets his work speak for itself.

That approach has been evident in India's opening games at the Asian Champions Trophy. When called upon to hold the defensive line, Rohidas has delivered the solidity expected of him, helping ensure that opposition attacks do not find an easy route through.

It is the same mindset he has brought to questions about his future. Following India's 5-2 win over China on Thursday, October 29, Rohidas made it clear that while the Olympics remain a goal, he is not prepared to let thoughts of the distant future distract him from the task at hand.

"While Olympics remains a goal, he doesn't want to be thinking too ahead and lose focus on the games in between."

"We prepare and focus on one match at a time. Just because we have qualified for the Olympics through the Asian Games does not mean we should start focusing only on the Olympics. That is not how it works. We have to perform well in every match," said Amit to reporters after India's win over China.

Rohidas was equally clear when addressing the recent reports about players potentially calling time on their international careers. Rather than getting caught up in speculation, he wants to stay focused on what lies immediately ahead. For him, consistent performances and fitness will matter far more than looking too far into the future.

"Regarding the news that came out recently, none of us had any information about it from Hockey India or the coach. So we cannot comment on what happened. We have seen those reports, but I do not look too far ahead. I focus mainly on the present and the matches we are playing right now."

"It is not as if I am retiring after this tournament. There is no such plan from my side," said Amit.

The message was clear: retirement is not on his mind. The Los Angeles Olympics may be a target, but Rohidas is in no hurry to get ahead of himself. There are plenty of challenges between now and 2028, and he wants to take them one at a time.

The Asian Champions Trophy has also faced questions over its timing, with critics pointing to the lack of an immediate qualification or medal-related consequence attached to the tournament.

Rohidas, however, sees it differently. For him, the ACT is more than just another competition on the calendar. It is an opportunity for the team to build momentum after the Asian Games and for players to show the selectors that they remain worthy of their places.

"After the Asian Games, this tournament is an important step towards our preparations for the Olympics. The selectors watch every match, and every performance matters because selection decisions are made based on these performances," said Amit.

It is a reminder that, even with Olympic qualification secured through the Asian Games, India's players cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal. Every match offers a chance to improve, build combinations and strengthen their cases for future selection.

For Rohidas, the approach is straightforward. He is not entertaining thoughts of retirement, nor is he allowing the prospect of Los Angeles 2028 to overshadow the present. His focus remains on delivering consistent performances, maintaining his fitness and continuing to be a dependable presence in India's defence.

The Olympics may still be nearly two years away, but Rohidas is making sure he stays in the picture. For now, there is no grand announcement or long-term declaration to make. There is only the next match, the next challenge and the work required to keep earning his place in Indian hockey.- Ends