India’s two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh has announced his retirement from international hockey, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career. He said he felt it was the right time to step away after losing his place in the national team due to a back injury last year.
Gurjant Singh's international career
Gurjant played 130 matches for India at the senior level and was part of the team that won gold at the Asian Games 2023 in China. The 31-year-old forward from Khailara village in Amritsar was also a member of the Indian side that secured back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris 2024 Olympics. He announced his retirement at the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards ceremony
"Since June Pro League last year I was forced to sit out of the senior team due to a back injury. I was out of hockey for nearly 7-8 months," Gurjant told PTI.
"After that, I played Hockey India League and domestic hockey but never could return back into the side. So I felt it is the appropriate time to quit and give the juniors a chance."
Will Gurjant Singh feature in playing in leagues and domestic competitions?
Even though he is stepping away from international hockey, Gurjant said he will continue playing in leagues and domestic competitions.
"I will continue to play in the HIL, domestic hockey and also looking for club hockey opportunities abroad," said Gurjant, who works with the sports department of the Punjab government.
Gurjant's goals
Over a career that spanned nearly a decade, Gurjant scored 33 goals after making his senior debut in 2017. He first made a name for himself at the junior level, impressing selectors with his speed and sharp play. He played an important role in India’s title win at the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2016, even scoring in the final.
He was also part of India’s winning teams at the 2023 Asian Games and the 2017 Asia Cup, along with several Asian Champions Trophy victories. In 2021, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award.
Gurjant's standout performances
One of his standout moments came in January 2020, when he scored just 13 seconds into a match against the Netherlands in his FIH Pro League debut in Bhubaneswar. It remains the fastest goal by an Indian in international hockey and helped India secure a 5-2 win.
Looking back, Gurjant said he has no regrets.
"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," he said.
He was honoured by Hockey India at the ceremony with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh.
"I feel incredibly satisfied to have been part of the historical revival of Indian hockey and to have achieved two Olympic medals. I leave the international stage a very happy and proud man," he said.