Indian men's hockey team defender Amit Rohidas became the latest player to register 100 international appearances for the senior team, when he took the field against Spain at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on Tuesday.
Rohidas, who hails from Saunamara village in Balisankra, Odisha, made his India debut at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2013 in Malaysia. He was part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2013 Asia Cup and vice-captained the junior national team at the 2013 FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup held in New Delhi.
The 28-year-old defender missed out on selection for the 2014 Hockey Men's World League final, but made his comeback to the national setup in 2017 on the back of solid performances in the 2017 Hockey India League. Since then, Amit Rohidas has been an undroppable player.
Amit's trophy room includes a gold medal from the 2017 Hero Asia Cup, bronze from the 2017 Odisha Hockey World League final in Bhubaneswar, silver from the 2018 FIH Men's Champions Trophy 2018 and gold at the 2019 FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.
"It’s a great moment for me and my family. I cannot express my joy enough to be able to play in my 100th senior international match for India in an event like the Olympics," Amit said. "We are currently on a special mission, I want to give my everything to the team and make our fans proud back home," he added.
Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam congratulated Amit Rohidas on achieving the landmark. "I would like to congratulate Amit Rohidas on completing 100 senior International Caps for the country."
"He has developed well through the ranks and made himself an integral part of the Indian team. He is known as a fearless first-rusher in PC defences and that's what makes him one of the key players for India in defence. I wish him the best for the future, and hope to see him do well with the Indian team at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020," Ningombam added.
Featured photo: Hockey India
