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India as a nation takes immediate notice of developments in sports if the sport happens to be cricket. For the rest, the teams and players must achieve ultimate glory to secure a spot in the public eye. Meanwhile, our hockey team and its players have never shied away from striving for such glory. The team ended a decades-long wait for an Olympic medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Furthermore, they made history by winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing back-to-back medals. A key contributor to India’s historic feat at the Paris Olympics, Jarmanpreet Singh, recently graced OneTurf News with a lengthy conversation. Recently conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his contribution to the sport, the young defender opened up about the struggles he faced on his journey to excellence.
Jarmanpreet Singh opens up about his struggles in an exclusive conversation with OneTurf News
Jarmanpreet Singh made his Indian debut at the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in 2018, having overcome challenging circumstances. Before representing India, the young defender played for Punjab in the Hockey India League. However, in 2015, a painkiller shot for back pain landed the then 19-year-old in significant trouble. The shot tested positive for a doping violation, and Jarmanpreet was handed a two-year ban from hockey at a time when his career was just taking off. In his latest conversation, the star Indian player reflected on how he navigated this difficult phase.
For any player to grow and remain motivated, the role of close family members is crucial. For Jarmanpreet, his family became a strong support system during his toughest times. Despite having no sporting background, they backed Jarmanpreet when he expressed his desire to pursue hockey as a career. During his 24-month ban, Jarmanpreet’s family, particularly his brother, instilled the belief in him to continue chasing his goals, even when Jarmanpreet himself felt his career was over. His eventual return to the game was remarkable, earning him a spot on the Indian team in 2018 and later a role in the squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Star Indian Champions talks about the historic run of Indian Men's Hockey Team at the Olympics
At the Tokyo Games, Jarmanpreet supported the Indian hockey team from the sidelines. However, the bronze medal that ended India’s Olympic medal drought after three long decades brought him immense joy, just like any other player in the squad. By the time the 2024 Paris Olympics arrived, Jarmanpreet had cemented his place in the main team. At the event, he played a pivotal role alongside legends like PR Sreejesh and captain Harmanpreet Singh.
Providing insights into the team’s mindset, Jarmanpreet revealed to OneTurf that India had set their sights firmly on a podium finish. Additionally, he shared how the team was determined to make the tournament a memorable one for PR Sreejesh, who was playing his final competition as the team’s goalkeeper. He also recounted the dramatic quarter-final against Great Britain, where India secured victory despite playing with 10 players after Amit Rohidas was shown a red card.
While the team aimed to change their medal color from 2020 to gold in 2024, the semi-final loss to Germany in Paris came as a significant setback. However, the players quickly shifted their focus to the bronze medal match, which they won, scripting another chapter in Indian hockey history.
After the successful Olympic campaign, Jarmanpreet joined the Delhi SG Pipers for the return of the Hockey India League (HIL) after a seven-year hiatus. The Indian player spoke about how HIL provides homegrown talents with invaluable exposure. While the league features foreign players, its primary focus remains on nurturing Indian talent. Jarmanpreet emphasized how playing in HIL allows Indian players to learn and adapt to the playing styles of international stars.
Jarmanpreet Singh has faced numerous challenges to establish himself as a prominent figure in Indian hockey. Having endured a doping ban and a remarkable resurgence at a young age, Jarmanpreet understands the importance of mental health. Highlighting this, he encouraged younger generations to take up sports, even as a hobby, as it not only strengthens physical health but also builds mental resilience. The seasoned defender also stressed the significance of maintaining a positive outlook in life, advising individuals to focus on the good around them to nurture their mental well-being.
Speaking about receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award, Jarmanpreet shared the moment he got the news. He revealed that he was in Rourkela for an HIL game when he learned of the honor. The player expressed how elated he and his family felt upon receiving the recognition. Known for his aggression on the field, Jarmanpreet revealed a contrasting personality off the field during a fun rapid-fire session with OneTurf. A fan of historical TV shows and stories, Jarmanpreet finds relaxation in pizza and Netflix during his downtime. Like many from his generation, he hopes to reduce his screen time and step away from his phone addiction.
A champion still in the process of building his legacy, there’s much more to discover about Jarmanpreet Singh. Watch the full interview on the official YouTube channel of OneTurf News to gain deeper insights into the world of this incredible player.