Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Mohammed Riaz Reflects on 2000 Olympic Near-Miss
Mohammed Riaz is a former Indian hockey player who was part of the team that came close to winning an Olympic medal in 2000 but lost in the last two minutes.
He still feels sad about that loss, but he's happy that India has won bronze medals in the last two Olympics.
He thinks the team is getting better and should aim to win gold in the future.
He also believes that younger players should get a chance to play in big tournaments like the World Cup.
Riaz says India should not be afraid of playing against top teams and should work on scoring more goals.
Mohammed Riaz regrets not winning an Olympic medal in 2000 after coming close.
He is happy about India's recent Olympic bronze medals in 2021 and 2024.
The 2000 team was considered one of the strongest Indian hockey teams.
Riaz believes India should aim for gold in future Olympics and improve their scoring.
He suggests giving junior players more opportunities in senior team tournaments.
- Who
- Mohammed Riaz, former Indian hockey player
- What
- Reflecting on the 2000 Olympic near-miss and current team's success
- When
- 2000 Sydney Olympics, recent interviews
- Where
- India, Sydney
- Why
- To share his regrets and hopes for Indian hockey's future
- Player
- Mohammed Riaz
- Team
- Indian Men's Hockey Team
- Event
- 2000 Sydney Olympics
- Result
- Quarterfinal exit
- Current Status
- Happy with recent Olympic success
- Future Goals
- Targeting 2028 Olympics final
- Role
- Chairman of Tamil Nadu Hockey Association's selection committee
