Explained: Why India will compete in the Paris Olympics hockey semifinal against Germany with a 15-player team
The Indian men’s hockey team has been dealt a setback ahead of their Paris Olympics semifinal against Germany, and they are already at a disadvantage in their quest for a spot in the final after 44 years.
The bronze medalists at the Tokyo Olympics will have only 15 players available. play the last four matches instead of a full team of 16, as defender Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match after receiving a red card in the quarterfinal against Great Britain.
Why did Rohidas get a red card?
Rohidas, 31, was seen swinging his stick across the face of British player Will Calnan in the second quarter of the encounter on Sunday. The on-field official did not consider the offense severe enough to warrant a red card, but Rohidas received a red card and was ejected after a video referral.
India then played the British side with ten players for more than 40 minutes. However, the Harmanpreet Singh-led team fought valiantly, thanks in large part to PR Sreejesh’s presence at the goalpost, to keep the game tied at 1-1 and force a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Sreejesh once again shone, saving two efforts by the GB team in the one-on-one shootout to lead India to a stunning 4-2 victory and a second consecutive Olympic semi-final appearance.
Official Complaint from Hockey India
Following the match, India officially raised concerns about “the quality of umpiring and decision-making,” citing “several inconsistencies in officiating” that “potentially affected the game’s outcome.”
India highlighted issues such as “inconsistent video umpire reviews, especially concerning the red-card decision,” and noted that the British goalkeeper was being coached from behind the goalpost during the shootout.
“Hockey India demands a comprehensive review of these issues to maintain the sport’s integrity and ensure fair play in future matches,” the complaint stated.
One Match Suspension for Rohidas
However, later in the evening, the tournament’s organizing body issued Rohidas a one-match penalty for violating the FIH Code of Conduct, meaning India will have one fewer player in their customary roster of 16 players for the semifinal versus Germany.
“Amit Rohidas was suspended for one match for violating the FIH Code of Conduct during the India vs. Great Britain match on August 4,” according to an official announcement from the FIH.
The suspension impacts match No. 35 (India’s semifinal against Germany), resulting in Amit Rohidas being unavailable, and India will compete with a squad of only 15 players.
How Rohidas’s absence affects India
Rohidas’s absence will significantly impact the Indian defense, limit their options for drag-flickers on penalty corners, and affect rolling substitutions. Most notably, the team will miss his dynamic rushing skills.
He is regarded as one of the greatest rushers in the world when it comes to penalty corner defense, and his absence will compel India’s head coach, Craig Fulton, to change India’s short-corner plan against Germany.
