Gurjant Singh Retires as Hockey India Celebrates Annual Awards
Hockey India Annual Awards Highlights
The recent Hockey India Annual Awards ceremony was marked by two significant events. Gurjant Singh, a forward who played a pivotal role in the junior team's 2016 World Cup victory and contributed to the senior team's bronze medal achievements in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, announced his retirement. Additionally, former captain Manpreet Singh addressed rumors regarding a rift with Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.
Media reports had suggested that Tirkey was sidelining Manpreet from the team as the Punjab player approached the milestone of breaking the all-time Indian record of 412 international caps. Manpreet, along with Dilpreet Singh and goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, was excluded from the Indian squad due to disciplinary issues, following an incident involving Sukhjeet Singh and cannabis gummies.
However, Manpreet clarified on Friday that there was no conflict with Tirkey. "I spoke with Dilip sir, and he assured me that he has no issues if I play my 412th game. He actually wants me to break the record," Manpreet stated.
Tirkey also dispelled the rumors, emphasizing that team selections are based on players' fitness and performance. "The claims that I wanted him out to protect my record are completely false. I support him in continuing his career and breaking records," Tirkey remarked.
He further explained, "As a federation, we must evaluate which players will contribute to the team for the 2028 Olympics. If a player is fit and performing well, they will be selected, including Manpreet. I want him to keep playing."
Awards and Recognitions
In other news, Navneet Kaur and Hardik Singh were honored with the prestigious Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025, each receiving a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh.
Hockey legend Zafar Iqbal, who played a crucial role in India's gold medal win at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, was awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award along with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. Iqbal expressed his surprise, stating, "I had a feeling something was happening when I received numerous calls today urging me to arrive early. I thought I might be asked to present awards, but I never expected to receive one myself."
Gurjant Singh's Retirement Announcement
Gurjant Singh officially announced his retirement from hockey, receiving a heartfelt farewell from Hockey India during the Annual Awards ceremony. At 31, Gurjant has represented India in 130 matches, contributing to the team's back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, as well as the Junior World Cup victory in 2016. "It was a tough decision, but it was necessary. I have dedicated everything to this sport, and I realized my time has come," Gurjant shared.
He had been dealing with a back injury for the past eight months and, despite believing he could return, opted to retire on his own terms. "The time spent recovering from my back injury was challenging, and I know how difficult it is to make a comeback. I wanted to leave the sport on a high note, as there is always a risk of criticism if I don't perform well. I am proud to retire as a player who experienced the golden era of Indian hockey," he concluded.