24 June,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
England team during hydration break (Pic: AFP)
Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan spoke on the introduction of the hydration breaks in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, saying that some regulations should be introduced to reduce their impact on a match.
Since the start of the tournament, viewers and players have been experiencing a new normal during the tournament, three minutes hydration breaks in each half, with the first break in the 22nd minute and the second in the 67th minute of the match. The breaks have been introduced to help players cope with extreme heat across North America.
However, it has opened up a slot for advertisements for the broadcasters, with many critics slamming it as a commercial move.
Speaking to ANI about the hydration breaks, Sandesh said, "Initially, when the FIFA World Cup started, and I started watching on the TV, I felt it was a little bit longer. Then I kind of confirmed it. It was three minutes, I think. The reason why we love the sport, why we love football, is because it is relentless. It is fast-paced. Even for 10 seconds, you can move somewhere, and a goal can happen in 10 seconds. And that's why we love the sport because it's so fast-paced." Jhingan said.
The Indian footballer further added that the hydration breaks at World Cup have essentially made the game 'feel like it is four quarters'.
"Now, it kind of feels like four quarters. More than the three-minute break, it is like when you make tactical changes in the three-minute break, because then you can see everything on the board. Then you again nullify each other in a way," he added.
"If the hydration break happens, at least there should be a set rule that if the temperature crosses 35 degrees, or there is so much humidity, only then can you have a hydration break. Plus, it is a little bit less than three minutes. Or the players, and also, the players are not allowed to go outside the touchline. It is only the guy with the water, he comes (to the pitch), and just the players. Otherwise, it is like four quarters," he said.
(With ANI inputs)
