Indian hockey stalwart Amit Rohidas was named Defender of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Hockey India Annual Awards, an accolade that has not only surprised but also deeply inspired the 31-year-old to keep striving for excellence on the field.
Rohidas received the Pargat Singh Award after beating out top-tier contenders including Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, and Udita — all of whom, according to him, were equally deserving of the honor.
“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,” said Rohidas.
The recognition sparked a wave of joy and celebration among his close circle, with many friends and fans, even those outside the hockey community, voicing their support and belief in his abilities.
“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. “This award pushes me to work even harder.”
Rohidas credited his teammates, coaches, and family for their unwavering support throughout his journey, calling the honor a team achievement. “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,” he said.
The emotional moment was also shared by his family, who tuned into the awards ceremony online. “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,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Rohidas is laser-focused on key upcoming tournaments — the FIH Pro League in June and the Asia Cup later in the year — both critical for securing India’s berth at the 2026 Hockey 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,” he said.
He also fondly recalled the historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking it as a career-defining moment. “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,” he concluded.
