The men’s field hockey team in the United States is currently focused on preparations for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, with plans in place to establish a centralised programme in Charlotte, North Carolina. This strategic move comes on the heels of the Paris Games and is intended to ensure that the team is fully prepared and competitive for the upcoming Olympics. According to US coach Harendra Singh, timing is crucial, as he stated, “Two, three years will be too late for us.”
Both the men’s and women’s field hockey teams from the USA have been making significant progress in the sport. The men’s team put on a strong showing at the Hockey5s World Cup, while the women’s team, after achieving success in the 11-a-side format, participated in the tournament with a second-string squad. Looking ahead, the US men’s team, which last competed at the Olympics in Atlanta 1996, is preparing to compete as hosts at the Los Angeles Olympics in just under five years.
Veteran player Michael Barminski, who has over 100 outdoor caps and will be 34 in 2028, expressed his dedication to the team and the sport, saying, “I’ve always seen it as doing a service to my country.” Barminski, a native of Texas who works in real estate, stressed the importance of a new generation of players stepping up to ensure the team’s success in the years leading to LA2028.
In discussing the development of the men’s collegiate game, Barminski highlighted the need for a vision to propel the men’s side forward, similar to the progress seen in the women’s game. He remains optimistic about the potential for the men’s team to achieve success, drawing inspiration from countries with strong field hockey programmes such as Australia.
The format of Hockey5s also caught Barminski’s attention, as he sees the shortened outdoor format as a key factor in the growth and popularity of the sport. Drawing parallels with the success of rugby in the United States, he believes that with the right direction, hockey can also attain a similar level of recognition and following.
Coach Singh, who is already in planning mode for the LA 2028 Olympics, is focused on increasing the team’s competitive edge after failing to qualify outright for the Paris Games. Emphasising the need to play a significant number of matches and welcoming teams who haven’t qualified for the Olympics to come and train, Singh is dedicated to elevating the profile of men’s field hockey in the USA.
As the team works to establish a centralised programme in Charlotte, Singh is optimistic about the potential for growth and success in the sport. With a strong emphasis on increasing the competitiveness of men’s field hockey and tapping into the vast market for the sport in the USA, the team is gearing up for an exciting journey leading to the LA 2028 Olympics.