Interview Times 
Amit Rohidas, who was born in Saunamara village in the Sundergarh district of Odisha on May 10, 1993, is recognized as one of the best defenders of his generation in the history of Indian field hockey. Born into modest origins in an area known for turning forth hockey superstars, Rohidas has not only lived up to the hype but also forged a unique identity for himself thanks to his relentless dedication to the game and tenacious spirit.
Amit Rohidas was not originally planning on playing hockey because he grew up in a rural home in Saunamara. Nonetheless, the young Rohidas were encouraged to take up hockey by the influence of local hockey legend Dilip Tirkey. His love of hockey took off when he enrolled in the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela in 2004 at the young age of 11. With the help of coach Bijay Lakra, Rohidas went from being a goalie to a forward before realizing that defending was his true calling—a move that would come to define his career.
Due to his rapid rise in popularity, Rohidas was able to obtain a place on the national junior team and compete in the Junior Asia Cup in Myanmar in 2009. He quickly established himself as a fixture on the state hockey team of Odisha thanks to his aggressive style and defensive prowess, and he made his senior debut for India at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in 2013. But with more experienced players like Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh in the lineup, Rohidas found it difficult to hold down a regular spot.
Even after facing obstacles, Rohidas didn’t give up. His perseverance and diligence over the domestic seasons paid dividends, especially while he was employed by the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB). His rise to becoming an important member of India’s defense began in 2017 when his outstanding play during the team’s tour of Europe won him a recall to the squad.
Amit Rohidas’s career has seen a number of noteworthy turning points. He played a crucial role in the Indian men’s hockey team that took home the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking the country’s first medal in the sport in forty-one years. During India’s historic campaign, his defensive prowess proved crucial, especially in neutralising penalty-corner specialists. This often came at his own expense as he heroically took hits to keep the goal safe.
Along with his Olympic accomplishments, Rohidas was instrumental in helping India win the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy and the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2022. Among other honors, his efforts were crucial to India’s silver medal performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy.
Amit Rohidas’ transformation from a stand-in player to the Indian national team’s vice-captain is evidence of his tenacity and leadership. He is a force to be reckoned with on the field because of his cool head and keen defensive sense. Despite being a specialist defender, Rohidas has played for India in more than 160 international matches and scored more than 25 goals. This incredible accomplishment highlights his versatility and impact on the game.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Rohidas’ tale is one of tenacity and motivation. He has broken down barriers and established new standards for aspiring hockey players from the region and beyond as the first non-tribal Odisha Olympian.
In field hockey, Amit Rohidas is a representation of bravery, tenacity, and brilliance in India. His journey from a small Odisha town to the main arenas of international competitions and the Olympics showcases not only his own accomplishments but also the potential of Indian hockey to become a worldwide force. For millions of hockey fans around the country, Rohidas continues to be a source of pride and optimism as long as he wears the Indian jersey.
