Rohan Bhuhi, first Sikh in 23 years to play hockey for England, hopes to inspire youngsters back home

England midfielder Rohan Singh Bhuhi.

When Rohan Singh Bhuhi stepped on the field against Argentina on December 9, 2023, he became the first Sikh player to play hockey in English colours in 23 years. For a community that is the undisputed leader of hockey in India, it’s surprising it took so long there.

Playing in India for the first time at the Pro League, Bhuhi is proud of his achievements, but is also hopeful that his success encourages more youngsters back home to pick up the sport.

“Yeah, it’s my first time playing international hockey in India, really proud and happy to be here. I hope I could be a role model for some people, and I think it’s important for everyone to have people they can look up to,” the 24-year-old said.

Starting early, Rohan and his younger brother Yuvraj were encouraged by their father Harvinder to pick up the sport. Bhuhi initially pursued football and played cricket before turning to hockey. He made the cut for the England Under-16 side in 2016 and climbed through the ranks at the Under-18, 19 and 21 levels to be part of the Great Britain Elite Development Programme before his senior international debut in 2023. He was also part of the GB squad that beat India in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2019.

A complete ACL tear in 2021 saw him out of action for nearly 15 months before gradually returning to the field. Yuvraj is currently a goalkeeper with the England Under-21 side.

“My dad’s from Jalandhar before he moved to Kenya, then migrated to England. He’s been playing for a long time and he introduced us to hockey. We have been playing since very young in the garden and my mum and dad have supported me thoroughly, taking me everywhere across the country and allowing me to be my best all the time,” Bhuhi said.

He hopes there are more Indian-origin players playing across sports. “I think it’s important that our communities encourage children to keep playing sport, because it’s a massive thing in life, and it teaches you great skills,” he hoped.

While he has experienced large crowds before in Malaysia, he is savouring playing at the Kalinga Stadium. “It’s really good to be out here, amazing stadium. It’s the best place in the world to play hockey, you get the best crowds. Before leaving, my parents just said, ‘good luck’ and hopefully they can come out here and watch me play some time,” he signed off.