Fresh core group for LA 2028 as Indian men’s hockey team eye generational shift

MOHALI: The Indian men’s hockey team is preparing for a generational transition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Hockey India chief selector RP Singh indicating that a fresh core group will soon be assembled and that four to six senior players, or potentially more, could make way as the national setup begins planning for the next Olympic cycle. Having completed a successful Asian Games campaign and secured Olympic qualification, India’s focus has now shifted from immediate results to long-term team building. “We have to build the team for 2028,” Singh said, stressing that the new core group would comprise a mix of established internationals and emerging talent. “It could be four players, it could be six, maybe fewer or even more players will be replaced. Nothing is fixed. But we have to look ahead and prepare the next generation.” Moreover, the core group will not be a closed group and will be reviewed at regular intervals. “We also want the core group to remain dynamic. Every three to six months, players must be reassessed. If someone is no longer operating at the required level, we should have the flexibility to make changes,” he added. Singh, however, emphasised that selection would be dictated by performance and fitness rather than reputation, age or seniority. “Seniority-based selection should not happen. It should be performance-based. Whoever is fit, performing and contributing to the team will remain in contention,” he said. The chief selector revealed that discussions about the future composition of the squad had already taken place within the management group, adding that difficult decisions are an unavoidable part of elite sport. “It hurts when players who have served the country for 10 or 12 years move out, but that is the reality of sport. One player leaves and another gets an opportunity,” he said. Opportunities will now be extended to more younger players through upcoming assignments, including the New Zealand tour, as India begins building towards the next Olympic cycle.

Singh also confirmed that the Hockey India League is expected to return and could begin in Jan, describing the tournament as a crucial component of India's succession planning. The former India player also stressed the importance of exposing young Indian players to top European sides such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and England, arguing that regular matches against elite opposition would accelerate their development and better prepare them for major tournaments. With the Los Angeles Olympics now firmly in sight, Indian hockey's transition has effectively begun, with performance, fitness and potential set to determine who forms the country's next core group.