With LA28 in mind, Mandeep among 4 seniors set to play final India matches

Mandeep Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh and Nilakanta Sharma are set to play their final India matches at the Asian Champions Trophy in October. The move is being made with an eye being kept on the LA Olympics 2028.Mandeep has struggled for form in recent months (Courtesy: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 13, 2026 19:37 ISTMandeep Singh is among four Indian senior players who are set to bring the curtains down on their international career, according to a report from PTI. Mandeep, along with Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma will play their final few games for India during the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in October, with an eye being kept on bringing in new blood ahead of the Olympics 2028.According to sources within HI, the move is aimed at facilitating a gradual squad overhaul with an eye on the 2028 Olympic Games."Yes, it has been in discussion for sometime among the selectors because we need to bring in and groom young players for the LA Olympics. These four players have served the country for a long time but now it's time for fresh legs. We are thankful to their services," a Hockey India source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.Mandeep, 31, has scored 128 goals, including 11 hat-tricks, in 301 international appearances, according to FIH statistics. An Arjuna Award recipient, the striker has two Olympic bronze medals and three Asian Games medals, including two golds. However, his performances have been on the decline in the recent few months as he struggled for goals during the World Cup and the Asian Games.Defender Jarmanpreet Singh, 30, has made 171 appearances for India, scoring eight goals. His achievements include bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, gold medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. Amit Rohidas, 33, has earned 257 caps and scored 38 goals. A key penalty-corner defender, he has won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, two Asian Games golds in 2022 and 2026, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy.Midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, 31, is also expected to feature in his farewell tournament at the Asian Champions Trophy. The Manipuri has 162 international appearances and 19 goals, and was part of India's bronze-winning squad at the Tokyo Olympics and gold-medal-winning teams at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games.All four have been named in the squad for the Asian Champions Trophy, which will begin on October 27. - Ends