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Gurjant Singh retires at Hockey India Awards after 130 caps, 33 goals, Junior World Cup 2016 heroics, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 bronze and Asian Games gold.
Gurjant Singh won bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 (Instagram)
Indian men’s team forward Gurjant Singh announced his retirement from international hockey at the Hockey India Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday.
The 31-year-old striker brings to a close a decorated career spanning nearly a decade, during which he earned 130 international caps and scored 33 goals, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in India’s modern-day hockey revival.
Who Is Gurjant Singh?
Born on 26 January 1995 in Khailara, Amritsar, Gurjant rose rapidly through the junior ranks, catching the eye with his pace and sharp instincts. He played a central role in one of Indian hockey’s most celebrated moments: the Junior World Cup triumph in Lucknow in 2016. Having scored in the final to secure the gold, he made his senior international debut in 2017 and soon became a mainstay of the Indian attacking line.
His greatest achievements came on the Olympic stage, where he was a vital part of the bronze medal-winning teams at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Beyond the Olympics, Gurjant helped India win gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, gold at the 2017 Asia Cup, and multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles. In 2021, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting distinctions.
Announcing his retirement, Gurjant said, “It is with a mix of pride and deep emotion that I announce my retirement today. I started my hockey journey by looking up to the seniors sitting in this room, and to have fulfilled my dream of playing for India alongside them is something I will always treasure.
“I feel incredibly satisfied to have been part of the historical revival of Indian hockey and to have achieved two Olympic medals. Beyond the trophies, the biggest memory I take with me is the time spent with my teammates. We lived like a family, supporting each other through all the ups and downs. I want to thank Hockey India for giving me such a respectful farewell. I leave the international stage a very happy and proud man.”
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey paid tribute to Gurjant’s contribution, saying, “Gurjant Singh has been a vital part of India’s hockey story for nearly a decade. His pace, his energy, and his ability to score in big moments made him a player opponents always feared. He represented his country with great pride, and we thank him for everything he has given to Indian hockey.”
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added, “Gurjant’s journey from the fields of Punjab to two Olympic podiums is an inspiration for every young player in this country. His dedication over so many years is a testament to his character, and his legacy will inspire generations to come.”
Gurjant leaves the international stage with two Olympic bronze medals, an Asian Games gold, and a place among India’s finest modern-day forwards. His journey, from a small village in Amritsar to the sport’s biggest stages, is one that Indian hockey will not forget.
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 27, 2026, 3:37 PM IST
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