THE LONG JOURNEY OF AMIT ROHIDAS, FROM SIDELINES TO STARDOM

SATISH SHARMA

Defender Amit Rohidas will be a man to watch at Tokyo Olympics. He is a trier, tireless all rounder and above all a match winner on his days. However, with his Olympic selection on the other day, he adds another label to his cap. He is, though surprising, the first non-tribal hockey Olympian from the stable of Odisha.

Amit Rohidas is tenth (6th men) hockey player of Odisha to play in the Olympic Games. His rise has scripted another new chapter in Odisha hockey history as he become the first hockey Olympian but not from tribal community.  The star rose from one of the most socially disadvantaged sections of society,  where hockey is not considered their natural game. This attribute of course goes to tribal communities.

After nomination Amit spoke with this writer from Banglore camp. He was elated and thrilled. He said,

“I am very delighted to be nominated in the Olympic team. My biggest dream has been fulfilled now. I am thankful to every coach who helped me to groom as a hockey player. I am thankful to government also who provided all required support to players.”

Amit’s journey to Olympic Games has not been easier one. He has been through to many ups and downs. He broke into national junior team in 2009 but it took 12 years to reach to his desired destination. During these years many occasions came where it seemed everything is over for him. But determination and perseverance kept him going.

Born in Legend Dilip Tirkey’s village Saunamara of Balisankra block of Sundargarh district in a economically challenged family of Gopal Rohidas and Golapi Rohidas as the youngest (of three sisters and two brothers) child. He was the first of his family to take up hockey.

He got hooked to the game after witnessing his seniors in action on village turf. Dilip Tirkey inspired many from his village to look at hockey as an engine of change. He later joined the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela (2004) to hone his hockey skills. Initially he was playing as a forward but his coach Bijay Lakra at Sports Hostel, Panposh impressed with his good physique and his ability to take huge  load advised him to switch to a defender position.

He proved his coach right. His prowess and potential blossomed within two years he became regular member of the hostel as well as state team.

His constantly good performances in the domestic circuit landed him in the 8th edition of the under-18 Asia Cup held in Myanmar in 2009 in which India finished fifth. His drag flicks got him the Best Player of Tournament tag, as he would strike seven goals.  He also featured in the Silver winning Sultan of Johor Cup, 2013. Same year, he was promoted to senior team when he played the Azlan Shah Cup. Shortly,  the promising defender was named as Manpreet Singh’s deputy for the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup held at Delhi. India finished poorly at 10th position.

Then came a huge hiatus. It seemed everything was over. Amit remained in wilderness for more than three years. But his  performance in domestic circuit and the Hockey India League (HIL) silenced his critics. In 2017, he made a comeback with the Belgium tour. He did not turn back since them, figuring the World Cup, the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, besides many other international events.

His first coach at hostel Bijay Lakra appreciate his attitude. Talking about Amit, he said: ” Amit was always a determined boy. He grasped things quicker than others. He will perform much better than people think about him”.

Amit idolises former captain and fellow villager Dilip Tirkey. He wishes to be as proficient as him on the field.” Dilip Sir has proved to be a great guiding force to me. He is a great motivation for the tribal kids of entire Sundargarh district or I can say for entire Odisha. For us hockey is not only a sporting discipline, but a vehicle for a socio-economic growth.”

When asked about the prospect of team he said,” The selected team is mixture of experience and youth.
The morale of the team is very high We are ready to face any team in the Olympics and will do our best to podium finish.”

This is more important than the label of non-tribal he unseemingly came to sport.