Gurjant Singh Retires from Hockey After Stellar Career

Gurjant Singh Announces Retirement at Hockey India Awards

New Delhi, March 27: Gurjant Singh, a celebrated two-time Olympic bronze medallist, officially declared his retirement during the Hockey India Awards held in New Delhi on Friday.

The 31-year-old athlete has represented India in 130 international matches, netting 33 goals since his debut in 2017.

Reflecting on his decision, Gurjant shared, “For the past 7-8 months, I have been uncertain. A serious back injury last year led me to focus on rehabilitation. I participated in the Hockey India League last year, but the thought of returning to a team sport was daunting. With major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games approaching in just four months, I questioned my ability to reintegrate into the team after such a short recovery period. My ongoing struggles with injuries made it even more challenging.”

Gurjant quickly ascended through the junior ranks, showcasing remarkable speed and sharp instincts. He played a crucial role in one of Indian hockey's most memorable achievements—the 2016 Junior FIH World Cup victory in Lucknow, where he scored in the final match.

Making his senior international debut in 2017, he quickly became a vital part of India's offensive strategy. His most notable accomplishments include winning bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics.

Additionally, he played a significant role in India's gold medal victories at the 2023 Asian Games and the 2017 Asia Cup, along with several Asian Champions Trophy titles. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2021, one of India's highest sporting accolades.