Hockey India starts thinking about Los Angeles Olympics 2028

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey discusses future plans for Olympics, Asian Games, and Hockey India League revival.

Following the Indian men’s hockey team’s second consecutive bronze medal finish in the Paris Olympics, Hockey India (HI) has started thinking about the side’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

A day after the members of the bronze medal winning team were felicitated by its principal sponsor Odisha government, HI president Dilip Tirkey, a former India captain, spoke about his federation’s vision.

“We have to start preparing for the 2028 Olympics now. After the 2026 Asian Games, which is a qualifying event for the Olympics, the coach and the selectors have to sit together and decide how many players of the team can actually play in Los Angeles,” Tirkey told The Hindu on Thursday (August 22, 2024).

While goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh has announced his retirement, three players of the present team are already in their 30s and nine will be over 30 years in four years time.

“Besides the Olympics, we have to think about performing well in major events such as the World Cup and the FIH Pro League. The immediate challenge is the Asian Champions Trophy for men (Hulunbuir City, China, September 8 to 17) and women (yet to be decided).”

Tirkey said the revival of Hockey India League (HIL) would promote youngsters for the future.

“The young players and domestic coaches will be benefitted. The addition of the women’s competition is important. It will make the HIL bigger.”