New Delhi
Emotional scenes filled the room as double Olympic bronze medallist Gurjant Singh officially announced his retirement from international hockey. Speaking at the Hockey India Awards, the 31-year-old striker called time on a brilliant decade-long career. He leaves the turf as a national hero who played a massive role in the recent revival of Indian hockey on the global stage.
Born in Amritsar, Gurjant first shot to fame by scoring in the 2016 Junior World Cup final. Since his senior debut in 2017, he became a constant threat to defenders, earning 130 caps and scoring 33 goals. His crowning achievements include standing on the podium at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Beyond the Olympic rings, he helped India clinch gold at the 2022 Asian Games and the 2017 Asia Cup.
“I feel incredibly satisfied,” Gurjant told the audience. He reflected on his journey from a young boy dreaming of the blue jersey to becoming an Arjuna Award winner. He thanked his teammates, describing them as a family that supported him through every win and loss. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised the forward, noting that his explosive pace and ability to score in high-pressure moments made him a player that opponents truly feared.
As Gurjant hangs up his stick, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and success. From the dusty fields of Punjab to the world’s biggest stadiums, his story remains an inspiration for every aspiring athlete in India.
