India defender Jarmanpreet Singh eyes maiden Olympic Games at Paris 2024 - 'would be a matter of great pride'

Jarmanpreet Singh, 27, played his 100th international match recently in the FIH Pro League.

Jarmanpreet Singh, a defender with 106 appearances for the Indian men’s hockey team, debuted in the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, where India finished second. Since then, he has amassed a number of accolades, including winning the gold in the 2018 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman, and clinching the silver medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Jarmanpreet also won the gold medal with the Indian men’s hockey team in the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023.

The 27-year-old has just returned from a splendid outing in the Men’s FIH Pro League 2023-24 in Antwerp and London, where he had the honor of playing his 100th international match when India took on Belgium on 24th May.

He was also named Player of the Match when India trumped Germany 3-0 on 1st June, thanks to his constant threat on the right flank and a sublime assist that helped Gurjant Singh score, in addition to his tireless defensive duties.

Reflecting on his recent performances, Jarmanpreet Singh said, “The FIH Pro League 2023-24 matches in Antwerp and London turned out to be 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. 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.”

Jarmanpreet Singh has been a constant feature under chief coach Craig Fulton, starting every match of the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, the Test matches against South Africa and Australia, and all FIH Pro League 2023-24 matches, except the game against Germany on 8th June, where he took to the pitch in the second half.

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“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. 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,” Jarmanpreet Singh concluded.

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