Amit Rohidas

Early Breakthrough with Major Tournaments (2018)

Rohidas represented India at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. India entered the tournament among the favourites but suffered a surprise semi-final defeat to New Zealand before losing the bronze medal match to England, finishing fourth. Despite the disappointing team result, Rohidas was widely praised for his defensive performances throughout the tournament.^[9] Rohidas was also a part of the Indian squad at the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, where India finished as runners-up after losing to Australia in the final via a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw.^[10] Later that year, Rohidas represented India at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. India entered the competition as defending champions and favorites for the gold medal but were upset by Malaysia in the semi-finals via a penalty shootout. The team recovered to defeat Pakistan 2–1 in the bronze medal match. Rohidas played an important role in India's defence throughout the tournament and secured his first Asian Games medal.^[11]

The 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup, hosted in Bhubaneswar, marked Rohidas' first senior World Cup appearance. India topped Pool C after victories over South Africa and Canada and a draw against Belgium. In the quarter-finals, India suffered a narrow 1–2 defeat to the Netherlands, ending their campaign. Although the result disappointed Indian supporters, Rohidas emerged from the tournament as one of India's most dependable defenders.^[12]

Rise in the National Team and FIH Pro League (2019–2020)

Following the World Cup, Rohidas became a regular member of India's squad in the newly launched FIH Pro League. His consistency during the Pro League seasons made him indispensable in India's preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. By the end of 2019, Rohidas had firmly established himself as India's premier central defender. His role in the team extended beyond conventional defending. He became responsible for first rushing during opposition penalty corners, organising India's defensive structure, initiating attacks through aerial balls, neutralising opposition forwards, and mentoring younger defenders. Head coach Graham Reid, appointed in 2019, retained Rohidas as one of the cornerstones of India's defence. Under Reid's coaching, India's defensive record improved considerably in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics, with Rohidas playing a pivotal role.

Tokyo Olympics (2020)

The 2020 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marked Rohidas' Olympic debut. India began the tournament with victories over New Zealand, Spain, Argentina, and Japan, finishing second in Pool A behind Australia. Rohidas played every match, forming an effective defensive partnership with Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar while excelling as India's primary first rusher during opposition penalty corners. In the quarter-finals, India defeated Great Britain 3–1 to reach their first Olympic semi-final since 1980. Although India lost 2–5 to eventual champions Belgium in the semi-finals, the team bounced back with a historic 5–4 victory over Germany in the bronze medal match.

The victory ended India's 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal, the country's first since the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Rohidas delivered one of his finest performances, making several crucial defensive interventions under intense German pressure. His contribution was widely praised by teammates, coaches and the Indian media.

Post-Olympic Career and FIH Pro League Continuity (2021–2023)

Following the Olympic success, Rohidas continued to be a regular member of India's squad in the FIH Hockey Pro League, facing elite opposition throughout Europe and Oceania. His defensive consistency, particularly his work as a first rusher, became one of the defining features of India's playing style under Graham Reid and later Craig Fulton. By 2023, many analysts regarded Rohidas among the world's leading penalty-corner defenders because of his willingness to sprint directly at drag-flickers, a role demanding exceptional courage, anticipation and reflexes.

Commonwealth Games and Asian Games Success (2022)

Rohidas represented India at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. India reached the final after defeating South Africa in the semi-finals before facing Australia in the gold medal match. Australia retained the title with a 7–0 victory, while India secured the silver medal, their first Commonwealth Games silver since 2014. Rohidas played throughout the tournament and remained one of India's most reliable defenders despite Australia's dominance in the final.

The postponed 2022 Asian Games, held in Hangzhou, China, represented another major milestone in Rohidas' career. India dominated the tournament, winning all five group-stage matches before defeating South Korea in the semi-finals. In the final, India defeated Japan 5–1 to win the gold medal, earning direct qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rohidas played a crucial role in India's defence throughout the competition, helping the team concede only a handful of goals while maintaining its status as Asia's leading hockey nation.

Hockey World Cup (2023)

Rohidas represented India at the 2023 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, jointly hosted by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela in Odisha. The tournament held special significance for Rohidas, as the newly inaugurated Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela is located close to his hometown. India began strongly by defeating Spain before drawing with England and beating Wales. However, India lost to New Zealand in a penalty shootout during the crossover stage, ending its campaign earlier than expected. Despite the disappointing result, Rohidas remained one of India's standout defenders throughout the tournament.

By 2023, Rohidas had become one of the senior-most members of the Indian squad. Recognising his experience and leadership qualities, Hockey India appointed him vice-captain, assisting captain Harmanpreet Singh in leading the national team. His leadership was particularly evident in organising India's defensive structure and mentoring younger defenders entering the national setup.

Paris Olympics (2024)

Rohidas was selected in India's squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, marking his second consecutive Olympic appearance. India advanced from the group stage after notable victories over New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia, along with a draw against Argentina. Rohidas again played a central role in India's defence.

During the quarter-final against Great Britain, Rohidas received a red card after his raised stick struck British forward Will Calnan in the face while attempting to control the ball. The dismissal forced India to play with ten players for more than 40 minutes, yet the team successfully held Great Britain to a draw before winning the penalty shootout 4–2. Following the match, Hockey India appealed the decision, arguing that there had been no deliberate intent. The appeal was unsuccessful, and Rohidas received a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the semi-final against Germany.

India narrowly lost the semi-final to Germany before defeating Spain 2–1 in the bronze medal match. Rohidas returned for the bronze medal match and delivered another commanding defensive performance, helping India secure its second consecutive Olympic bronze medal—the country's first back-to-back Olympic hockey medals since 1972.