Amit Rohidas Interview | I made a comeback in 2017 because of the HIL Premium

Amit Rohidas, a key player in Indian hockey, shares his journey of perseverance and success in HIL and beyond.

Amit Rohidas has been one of the core players of the Indian men’s team for the last five to six years. As the best person for the rushers job during penalty corners in the Indian team, the 31-year-old defender has proved his value time and again. The year 2017 was an important landmark for Amit for he made a strong comeback to the Indian team and has never looked back since. All thanks to HIL where he represented Kalinga Lancers. Lancers went on to win the tournament in 2017.

The two-time bronze medallist in Olympics is now is getting ready for HIL as part of Tamil Nadu Dragons to be held in Ranchi and Rourkela from December 28. “I am a big fan of the HIL because it supported me to come back to the Indian team. After that, I continued. I will try to maintain my fitness and skills which will help me in the future,” he told The Hindu in Chennai before starting his training session. Excerpts:

I was surprised because no one knew and I didn’t know either. I knew that the last 200 match was going to be 199. But when I reached the ground, Vikram(pal) (Competition Manager of Hockey India) bhai told me that I was going to score 200. Everyone was shocked including the coaching staff and our teammates. When they told me that I was going to complete 200, I was very happy. Because it is a big thing to play 200 matches for the country. At this level, I am happy that I have completed 200 for the country.

Yes. I made my senior debut in 2013. After that, in 2014, my last World League Grand Final was in January. After that, I had a three-year break. I made a comeback in 2017, thanks to the Hockey India League. Otherwise, I don’t know where I would be today.

I am a big fan of the Hockey India League because it supported me to come back to the Indian team. After that, I continued. I will try to maintain my fitness and skills which will help me in the future.

I didn’t have an injury. It’s ups and downs any sportsperson faces. You learn a lot from that. I don’t know why I was out. But I continued my hard work. I made a comeback in 2017 because of the HIL

I continued to focus on my basics. I maintained my fitness. You can make a comeback if you have the age. Otherwise, it’s difficult. I played in HIL and the department tournaments. If you don’t maintain your fitness, you can’t do anything.