HIL gave me a platform to make a comeback in the India team: Amit Rohidas

Amit Rohidas highlighted how the Hockey India League reignited his career, offering young players a vital platform to gain exposure and return stronger. With its revival, the league is poised to foster talent and bolster Indian hockey's future.

In Short

• Rohidas credited HIL for his return to the national team
• Kalinga Lancers' title-winning 2017 season boosted Rohidas’ confidence
• HIL provided young players with exposure to seasoned international stars

Indian hockey team defender and Olympic bronze medallist Amit Rohidas, in an exclusive interaction with India Today, reflected on how the Hockey India League (HIL) played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Rohidas, who has been signed by Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 48 lakhs, highlighted the league’s potential to provide a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience.

The return of the HIL is being seen as a significant development for Indian hockey. Rohidas pointed to his own journey, recalling how the league had a transformative impact on his career. After making his debut for the Indian national team in 2013, he faced a setback when he was dropped in 2014. However, his participation in the HIL turned the tide in his favor. Representing the Kalinga Lancers in the 2017 season, Rohidas played a key role in their title-winning campaign, which eventually paved the way for his return to the national team later that year.

"From 2013 to 2017, HIL was a great experience. Going from the juniors to the seniors' side was a great experience. Making a comeback after 7 years, I want to thank Hockey India League. This will give a lot of young players a chance to play with national team seniors and foreigners. It's a great opportunity, especially for youngsters, to showcase their talents. This is an opportunity for them to make a place for themselves, that will help them get a chance in the junior core group, specially with the junior World Cup coming up," he said.

The league, which is set to resume with the men’s edition starting on December 28 in Rourkela and the women’s edition beginning on January 12 in Ranchi, has a history of fostering grassroots talent. It offers players exposure to high-stakes competition alongside seasoned national and international stars. Such experiences often prove vital in bridging the gap between domestic and international hockey.

Rohidas’ career resurgence serves as an example of the HIL’s impact. Playing alongside top-tier players in the league allowed him to sharpen his defensive skills, improve his game awareness, and regain his confidence. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of India’s defensive lineup, contributing significantly to the team’s success, including their historic Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo.

"The journey was tough. Everyone has a tough journey, no one has it easy. Playing in the junior setup since 2009, and then moving forward was a big journey. Not getting picked for the senior team in the 2014 HIL was a big shock for me. I was out for three years, but my mindset was clear to perform in HIL and earn my way back. I continued on my fitness training and then finally got a comeback in 2017. That was a big moment. Then I got a test match straight to Europe, along with 8–9 others, and we all performed well. It taught me the value of fitness, which is the most crucial for playing for a long run," he said.

The league’s focus on grassroots development and nurturing homegrown talent is expected to strengthen the pipeline for the national team. For aspiring players, it provides a rare chance to compete at a higher level, learn from experienced professionals, and make their mark on the hockey landscape.

"My mindset is simple, perform good in this HIL and then move forward. This has been my mindset for every tournament I play and that will remain the same for this Hockey India League," he added.

As the countdown begins for HIL’s revival, players and fans alike are optimistic about its potential to reinvigorate Indian hockey and produce the next generation of stars. For veterans like Amit Rohidas, the league remains a testament to the opportunities it can create for players to rise to the occasion.