Lucknow: Following India’s gold-medal success in men’s and women’s hockey at the Asian Games, Hockey India selection committee chairman RP Singh has set his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, hinting that some players could be replaced in the run-up to the Games.“Some players from the current Asian Games team may not be able to continue until 2028. The time has come to look for their replacements and accord them a respectful retirement,” RP Singh told TOI. He added, however, that the immediate focus was on the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026, to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from Oct 27 to Nov 5.“Major changes have to be made within the next month or two. If we delay, we will be behind by the time the 2028 Olympics arrive. India are champions in Asia at present, but the next target is to become champions against European teams as well,” he said.Asked whether captain Harmanpreet Singh could remain part of the squad for the Los Angeles Olympics, RP Singh said the defender was currently fit and available. “Harmanpreet is fit at the moment and has no issues right now, but anything can happen in sport. Fitness is crucial for every player. Whoever remains fit and performs well will be considered for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he said.India will hold two camps this month. The India A team camp will begin in Bengaluru on Oct 11 ahead of its tour of New Zealand, while the camp for the Asian Champions Trophy will start in Jalandhar on Oct 18. Most players who featured in the Asian Games are expected to attend the Jalandhar camp.RP Singh also said Hockey India’s top officials should not have aired internal matters on social media during the Asian Games. He said such remarks affected the players, but both the men’s and women’s teams remained focused and went on to win gold.On the Senior National Hockey Championship, RP Singh said the senior men’s event, beginning in Jhansi on Oct 10, was initially scheduled to be held in Odisha a week earlier. Team camps had already been set up in Odisha, but the Odisha Hockey Association declined to host the 2026 Senior Men’s National Hockey Championship. Uttar Pradesh then stepped in to host the event, making the necessary arrangements at short notice.Hockey India elections were initially scheduled for Nov 7, but the timeline was extended because of the upcoming sports bill. The process of forming Hockey India’s new executive body is underway. All state units have been asked to send two nominations each by Nov 15 — one man and one woman — who will serve as voters. The new executive body is expected to be formed by Dec 5.Box:Jhansi nationals to help identify new hockey talentRP Singh said the Hockey India Senior Men’s National Championship in Jhansi would serve as an important platform for identifying emerging talent and consistent performers. “Selectors will be able to spot exciting talent from a larger pool for the national team, as 29 teams are in the fray.”
