In January 2024, Deep Grace Ekka, a defender, retired. Late last year, Rani Rampal then announced her formal retirement. Two months ago, Vandana Katariya made the decision to quit.

Having guided Indian women's hockey into uncharted waters over the past ten years—particularly during the 2016 Rio Olympics, when India qualified for the Games for the first time in 36 years, and Tokyo 2021, when the Rani-led team finished an unprecedented fourth, just missing out on a medal—the old guard is slowly retiring.

However, two of the old guard's stars are still present, performing admirably, and ready to give it their all whenever they enter the field. While 33-year-old Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, a defender, and Savita Punia, the goalkeeper who will turn 35 next month, are still performing well, many are asking... for how long?

"To begin with, I don't believe we have anyone who can stand in for Savita and Sushila." Their fitness is also excellent, in my opinion. "There's no reason to discuss their future as long as you're competing and your fitness is there."

Given that this is the start of a new Olympic cycle, some have wondered if India would be better off with newer players. But with a combined 553 international caps between the two, the two former India captains have made full use of their experience to not just stay in the team but also become vital cogs in the setup.

Expectedly, Harendra has selected the two for the European leg of the Pro League that will be held from June 14. The matches in London, Antwerp and Berlin are important considering India has a chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and Netherlands.

If they miss the opportunity, they will have a big chance at the Asia Cup to be played at Hangzhou in September. Next year is also significant given that it will see the World Cup and the Asian Games, which is a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“I have selected the team keeping in mind 2028. And it is all about fitness. It is not about being senior and junior. Their (Australia) tour (also) went well. So, I’m not looking at it from that angle at all. For example, among goalkeepers, (PR) Sreejesh, (Belgium’s Vincent) Vanasch and all these players were in the same age group as Savita, even older than her. Yet they performed,” says Harendra.

“So, age is not a criteria for anyone, in sports in particular. And in hockey, because of rolling substitution athletes can remain injury free. The requirement of high-speed running you require per second, the players are meeting. That’s more than enough. And I believe if defenders are seasoned, they always pay dividends and these two players are the most valuable defenders in the current team.”

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