New Delhi, March 27: Indian men’s hockey forward Gurjant Singh announced his retirement from international hockey on Friday during the Hockey India Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. The 31-year-old star scored 33 goals in 130 matches for the Indian team.
Born on January 26, 1995, in Khelara, Amritsar, Gurjant developed a passion for hockey from a young age. He worked hard to excel in the sport and played a crucial role in India’s Junior World Cup victory in 2016, scoring in the final. Gurjant made his senior team debut in 2017.
His most significant achievements came on the Olympic stage, where he was a key member of the teams that won bronze medals at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. In addition to the Olympics, Gurjant contributed to India’s gold medal victories at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, the 2017 Asia Cup, and several Asian Champions Trophy titles. In 2021, he was honored with the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sports accolades.
While announcing his retirement, Gurjant expressed, “Today, I proudly and emotionally announce my retirement. I began my hockey journey looking up to the senior players in this room, and fulfilling my dream of playing for India alongside them is a cherished memory I will always hold dear.”
He added, “Being part of the historic revival of Indian hockey and winning two Olympic medals brings me immense satisfaction. Beyond the trophies, the greatest memory I carry is the time spent with my teammates. We were like a family, supporting each other through every high and low. I want to thank Hockey India for giving me such a respectful farewell. I leave the international stage as a very happy and proud person.”
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, “Gurjant Singh has been a vital part of India’s hockey story for nearly a decade. His speed, energy, and ability to score in crucial moments made him a player that opponents always feared. He represented his country with great pride, and we thank him for everything he has given to Indian hockey.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated, “Gurjant’s journey from the fields of Punjab to two Olympic podiums serves as an inspiration for every young athlete in the country. His dedication over the years is a testament to his character. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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