For some of India’s Olympic medallists, the Asian Champions Trophy could be one last march in national colours. With international hockey returning to Punjab after 17 years, the tournament later this month is set to usher in a change of guard, with at least four senior players facing the exit as India begin rebuilding for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.India, who clinched the Asian Games gold in Japan to secure their Olympic berth, will continue to be led by Harmanpreet Singh. But the tournament, beginning in Jalandhar on Oct 27 and concluding in Mohali on Nov 5, will be the final assignment in India colours for Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma, according to sources.All four, who are in their 30s, have been part of India’s Olympic bronze medal-winning campaigns over the previous two editions. Hockey India selection committee chairman RP Singh declined to name the players but confirmed that at least half a dozen could feature in their final matches for India at the ACT.“It is time to get fresh legs into the team. I cannot name the players, but they have been informed about the situation. We believe they deserve an honourable exit. With Punjab hosting an international tournament after nearly two decades, it is only fitting that some of them sign off on home turf,” Singh told TOI.“With the Olympics less than two years away, it gives the coaching staff enough time to groom them,” he added. Singh also said a team comprising the remaining senior players and fresh faces would tour New Zealand in Nov, giving chief coach Craig Fulton an opportunity to assess young talent in overseas conditions. India are the defending champions of ACT.The squad:Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera; Krishan Pathak; Defenders: Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh (c), Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amandeep Lakra; Midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Aditya Lalage, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh; Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh.
