August 11th 2024.
Paris: Amit Rohidas went through a challenging time after being unable to compete in a crucial Olympics semi-final. He couldn't sleep for two nights as he dealt with the disappointment of missing out. However, he is grateful to his teammates for their unwavering support and for never making him feel like an outcast. His red card during the quarter-final against Great Britain had resulted in the Indian team playing with only 10 players for 42 minutes, but they still managed to secure a bronze medal, their 13th Olympic hockey medal.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, the 31-year-old defender expressed his regret at not being able to play in the semi-final due to the one-match suspension. He said that the match was crucial and he was completely focused on it. However, he was touched by the support of his teammates and the entire country during this difficult time.
Rohidas was penalized in the 17th minute of the quarter-final for accidentally hitting British forward Will Calnan with his stick. Even though the on-field referee did not consider it a serious offense, it was upgraded to a red card after a video referral. This resulted in Rohidas being suspended for the semi-final against Germany, which India narrowly lost.
Reflecting on the incident, Rohidas clarified that it was not intentional and he was not sure what people were saying about it. He also acknowledged that the referee's decision is a part of the game. Despite being reduced to 10 players, the Indian team fought hard and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's heroics helped them take the match to a shootout, where they emerged victorious. Rohidas felt proud to show the country that they could fight against all odds.
When asked if he has any regrets about not winning a gold or silver medal, Rohidas replied that it was all destined and they cannot change anything. He expressed his gratitude for not returning empty-handed and bringing a medal for the country.
India's journey in the Olympics was a tough one, starting with a rusty win against New Zealand in a challenging pool. But the team grew stronger with each match and their biggest win came in their final league match against Australia. The bronze medal match against Spain was a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper Sreejesh, who played his last international match with a flawless performance.
Rohidas praised Sreejesh and said that even though he won't be on the field anymore, he will always be a guide and mentor for the team. He also emphasized that there is no one leader in the team and everyone contributes in their own way. The team believes in collective leadership and works together as a unit.
Before the Olympics, the team underwent a three-day boot camp in Switzerland led by adventurer Mike Horn. Rohidas described it as a magnificent and incredible experience, but also admitted that it was tough and challenging. He recalled the difficult climb on cliffs and how they had to maintain their balance during the descent. He believes that this experience made their minds tougher and stronger.
Overall, Rohidas is proud of the team's performance at the Olympics and is grateful for the love and support of the country. He is confident that the team will continue to work hard and achieve more successes in the future.
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