Paris Olympics 2024 Hockey: Amit Rohidas could face suspension after red card incident in Olympic quarterfinal
Amit Rohidas, India's key defender, received a red card in the quarterfinal match against Great Britain at the Paris Olympics. The incident happened almost 40 minutes from the final hooter when Rohidas' stick unintentionally struck a rival player to leave him out of the match.
On a red card, the protocol is automatic suspension for the next game in football. But in hockey, there is a procedure to deal with such an eventuality. The umpire files a report with the technical delegate, who scans the tape of the incident and seeks external advice on whether the foul was intentional or not.
If it is found that the foul was malicious, Rohidas could well find himself out of what would be a physically demanding semifinal, which no doubt will be a huge setback for the Indians. An official was quoted as saying by PTI:
"The decision would depend on the severity of the incident."
India's chief coach, Craig Fulton, came out in support of Rohidas, saying the defender does not have any malicious streak in him as a player. Reid said that he would have to see the video footage and speak with Rohidas to understand the situation better. He was quoted as saying:
"I need to look at it, speak to him. But obviously, if someone gets hit to the head, something's wrong. But I will stand up for Amit Rohidas. He's not that kind of player.
"You've always got to look where there's smoke, there's fire. So, what happened first, for that to happen and we'll just look to that. Not the other way."
The setback notwithstanding, India beat Great Britain 4-2 in the shoot-out after the match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Amit Rohidas' notable achievements
Rohidas is an experienced player, part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
His journey started after he was picked for the national junior team in 2009 and then for the senior team for the 2013 Asia Cup, held in Ipoh, as a result of which India bagged a silver medal.
Amit Rohidas marked an incredible re-entry to the Indian team in 2017 and is the 10th international and sixth men's hockey player from Odisha to play in the Olympics. Moreover, he became the first non-tribal hockey Olympian from Odisha.