Olympic bronze medallist Gurjant Singh bids farewell to international stage

Indian men’s hockey team forward Gurjant Singh on Friday announced his retirement from international hockey during the Hockey India Awards ceremony held in New Delhi. Born on January 26, 1995, in Khelar, Amritsar, Gurjant Singh rose rapidly through the junior ranks, gaining recognition for his speed and sharp attacking skills. He played a key role in one of Indian hockey’s most memorable achievements, contributing significantly to the team’s victory at the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow. He scored in the final to help India secure the gold medal and went on to make his senior international debut in 2017, becoming a vital part of India’s forward line. Gurjant’s most notable achievements came on the Olympic stage, where he was an integral member of the Indian teams that won bronze medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Beyond the Olympics, he contributed to India’s success at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where the team won gold, as well as the 2017 Asia Cup and multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles. In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021, one of India’s highest sporting accolades. Announcing his retirement, Gurjant Singh said it was a moment filled with pride and deep emotion. He recalled beginning his hockey journey by looking up to senior players and expressed gratitude for having fulfilled his dream of playing alongside them for India. He stated that being part of Indian hockey’s resurgence and winning two Olympic medals gave him immense satisfaction. Reflecting on his career, he said that beyond trophies, the most cherished memories were the time spent with teammates, describing the team as a family that supported each other through all challenges. He also thanked Hockey India for giving him a respectful farewell, adding that he leaves the international stage as a proud and content individual.