~ Rohidas also acknowledged the excitement and support he received from friends and well-wishers ~
Indian Men’s Hockey Team stalwart Amit Rohidas has shared his reaction after being honoured with the Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year 2024 at the recently held Hockey India 7th Annual Awards. Rohidas, who received a cash prize of INR 5 lakh along with the award, expressed his surprise and gratitude, reflecting on the hard work and teamwork that contributed to this achievement.
Sharing his thoughts when nominated, Amit Rohidas said, “Apart from me, there were three more nominations – Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, and Udita, and all of them are top players. I couldn’t predict who would win because everyone has been playing well and contributing to their team. I was just happy to be nominated. When I actually won, I was surprised and overjoyed. It was an incredible feeling.”
Rohidas, who is considered as one of the world’s best first-rushers, explained that he hadn’t discussed his nomination with his teammates but acknowledged the excitement and support he received from friends and well-wishers.
“People in my friend circle, especially non-hockey players, were messaging me, saying I would win. But I thought, whatever happens is in God’s hands. I wasn’t expecting anything, because the competition was tough, but I’m grateful for the recognition,” he added.
Winning the Pargat Singh Award has provided Rohidas with a fresh boost of motivation. “This award pushes me to work even harder. My teammates and coaching staff have always been supportive, and without them, I wouldn’t have achieved this. It’s a team effort, and I want to thank everyone, including my family, for their unwavering support. This recognition gives me more energy to contribute to the team and the country,” he said.
Speaking about his family’s reaction, 31-year-old Rohidas shared, “My family was watching the awards on YouTube, and when they saw I won, they were extremely happy. When I spoke to them, they encouraged me, saying, ‘Keep playing for the nation, and you will keep receiving awards.’ Their happiness motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
Looking ahead, Amit Rohidas remains focused on upcoming challenges, particularly the Asia Cup and the FIH Pro League, as both tournaments provide opportunities for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
“I like to go step by step. Right now, my focus is on the Pro League in June and the Asia Cup later this year. Both are key tournaments for us to secure our place in the 2026 World Cup. I’m determined to perform at my best,” Rohidas commented.
One of the most memorable moments of Rohidas’ career came during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where India secured back-to-back Olympic Bronze medals and achieved a historic win against Australia.
“The 2024 Paris Olympics were special. We defeated Australia after 52 years in the Olympics, which was a huge moment for our team. That win gave us immense confidence, and then winning the Bronze medal made it even more memorable. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish,” Rohidas concluded.
Please see attached images of Amit Rohidas.
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About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
