Since making his debut for the Indian Men’s Hockey team in 2018 at the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, Jarmanpreet Singh has firmly established himself as a key player in the squad. With 106 international caps to his name, the 27-year-old defender has accrued an impressive list of accolades, including a gold medal at the 2018 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. His latest triumph came when the Indian team clinched the gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Jarmanpreet’s journey has been marked by significant milestones and standout performances. Most recently, he showed his exceptional skills in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/2024, where he reached his 100th international appearance during a match against Belgium on May 24. Notably, he delivered a Player of the Match performance in India’s 3-0 victory over Germany on June 1.
Reflecting on his recent outings, Jarmanpreet emphasized the valuable experience gained from competing in the FIH Hockey Pro League. “The matches in Antwerp and London were a good experience. We had the opportunity to test ourselves against different teams that employ various structures. These matches helped us pinpoint areas for improvement in our game while also reaffirming our strengths. Winning the Player of the Match against Germany was a pleasant feeling,” he remarked.
Understanding the importance of building confidence ahead of major tournaments, Jarmanpreet remains focused on continuous improvement. “It is imperative to perform well in the build-up to a major tournament as it helps build confidence, and I’m glad to receive recognition for my performances. But as a player, improvement never stops, and the aim is to improve further in the upcoming camp to be close to my best version for the Paris 2024 Olympics,” he stated.
Under the guidance of chief coach Craig Fulton, Jarmanpreet has become a fixture in the Indian team. His consistency is evident as he started every game in the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, and the Test matches against South Africa and Australia. He also played in all the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/2024 games, except for a brief absence during the match against Germany on June 8.
Jarmanpreet attributes much of the team’s recent success to their exceptional chemistry. “The chemistry in the team is exceptional. We have regular player meetings off the pitch where we discuss previous games and ways we can help each other on the pitch. The whole team is pulling in the same direction, and I feel we are in good rhythm,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Jarmanpreet is determined to earn a spot in the Indian squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics. “Like all the other players, I always try to give my best on the pitch and hope to make the squad for the Olympics. It would be a matter of great pride for me and my family if I play in my first Olympic Games at the Paris 2024 Olympics—a dream come true. If I do get selected, my aim would still be to give my hundred percent for the team, as the team always comes first,” he concluded.
As Jarmanpreet Singh continues to excel on the international stage, his journey reflects the dedication and hard work that define his career. With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, he stands poised to achieve even greater heights and contribute significantly to India’s quest for Olympic glory.
