Indian hockey defender Jarmanpreet Singh opens up on his journey after doping setback

Jarmanpreet Singh recently received the Arjuna Award.

Paris Olympics bronze medalist and well-renowned Hockey defender Jarmanpreet Singh recently appeared on the House of Glory podcast, an initiative by the Gagan Narang Sports Foundation. The 2024 Arjuna Awardee shed light on his struggles, rise to fame and success in recent years, and the recently organized Hockey India League 2025.  

Jarman faced a major setback in 2015 when, at the age of 19, he failed a doping test as a result of back pain medicine given by his doctor. After this the then junior hockey player was banned for two years. However, not letting this setback distance him from the sport, Jarman continued to work hard and successfully made a comeback.

“It was a bad phase of my life. But now, when it has passed and I have been bestowed with success by god, I take that incident positively. Only challenging times help you learn in life. My family was there to support me. Two years might seem a short period, but it was a long time for me. My family told me not to give up hockey and to continue playing even after the ban ends,” said the Amritsar-born Hockey player.

“My younger brother, who used to play Hockey in Jalandhar at that time, helped me train during those 2 years because you are not allowed to play at all during the ban. But I kept training with my brother and his friends,” he added.

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Through his ‘never give up’ attitude, Jarman not only found his way back to Hockey but was also a part of the Indian Hockey Team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His achievements and contributions were recognized as he emerged as one of the winners of the 2024 Arjuna Award.

Sharing the secret behind his attitude, Jarman said, “When people start doubting your intentions, you feel an urge to prove yourself right. So, when you set a target for yourself, you never give up. Even when you fall, you stand up again and strive to achieve your goal. So, it is important to have a target in life while also staying patient. Patience is an important part of life, especially for sportsmen. Hence, patience and hard work are the key to success.”

The 28-year-old also lauded Hockey India’s recently concluded initiative, Hockey India League, which returned to stadiums after 7 years of halt and featured many international and national stars.

“Hockey India league is a great step by Hockey India because new players are getting the chance to play in the tournament. The junior players are getting the opportunity to feature in the playing XI alongside senior players, which makes it a great opportunity for them. On the other hand, senior players get to know about other international teams and their players’ thinking,” said Jarman.

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