Amit Rohidas' Suspension: A Major Blow to India's Olympic Hockey Dream

India will face Germany in the Olympic men's hockey semifinal without key defender Amit Rohidas, whose appeal against a one-match suspension was rejected. Rohidas was red-carded during the quarterfinals, reducing India's squad to 15 players. Despite this setback, India's team remains determined to achieve victory.

India's Olympic men's hockey team will face Germany in the crucial semifinal match with a major disadvantage, as key defender Amit Rohidas will not be part of the lineup. Rohidas was handed a one-match suspension, a decision upheld by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) after India appealed.

The suspension stems from an incident during the India vs Great Britain match in which Rohidas's stick accidentally struck a rival player, leading to a red card. Despite initially not being flagged as a serious offense by the on-field umpire, a TV referral changed the ruling.

With the team's roster down to 15 players, the challenge intensifies for the eight-time Olympic champions. Nevertheless, India's squad, fortified by a notable performance in the quarterfinal, remains resolute in pursuing their quest for Olympic glory.

(With inputs from agencies.)