Selection committee chairman RP Singh said on Thursday that players who cannot last until 2028 should "come forward on their own." He insisted that fitness and performance are the only criteria for future selections. India is building a team for the Olympics, and the process will continue with new players.
There has been a fair amount of criticism for India playing a full-strength squad in the competition even as the rest have been largely inexperienced young sides but selector R.P. Singh insists that was always the plan.
With all the talk about teams in transition at the Asian Champions Trophy, Hockey India is firm on moving ahead with its plans but is also clear that performance and fitness would be the only criteria for selections.
"The plan is definitely there. We are getting 2-3 years now and we have to make the a team for the future, for the Olympics. Many players will not be able to survive till 2028 and let's be honest, every player understands his game and his body. He knows how long he will be able to continue. For those who think they cannot be at that level till 2028, this is a chance to come forward on their own," selection committee chairman RP Singh said here on Thursday.
There has been a fair amount of criticism for India playing a full-strength squad in the competition even as the rest have been largely inexperienced young sides but Singh insisted that was always the plan. "We have just become the Asian Games champion. It's a coincidence the ACT was scheduled in Punjab soon after. And the maximum number of players is from Punjab.
"Very few people get the opportunity to play at home and those who have been playing for so many years for the country, they had a wish to do so. It's normal. But 4-5 youngsters are playing here also. But that number people keep quoting, four senior players (for retirement), it can be more or less. Selection will not be seniority based, it will be performance based. Our core group will be ready for the Olympics, new and old together, but that's just the way it goes. One goes, another comes, it's a process. Those who are sensible, if they know when it's time, their respect remains intact," he declared, making it clear the federation had made its decision.
He agreed youngsters needed time to develop, starting with India's tour of New Zealand later this month. "We have youngsters but they will improve only when you give them a chance. We have kids training in Bangalore, juniors and development sides, kids who have played for 2-3 years but not getting a chance in the senior team. We will play them in 2-4 tournaments, then there will be Hockey India League. We had our national championships last month and selectors travelled to watch those games. We will combine them all, have a camp and then finalise the core group," he explained.