Jarmanpreet Singh's Comeback: From Doping Ban to Olympic Dream

Jarmanpreet Singh, a key defender in the Indian hockey team, overcame a two-year doping ban that disrupted his career in 2016. Now, he's set to make his Olympic debut in Paris. With persistence and the support of Hockey India, Jarmanpreet has played 98 international matches since his comeback.

Jarmanpreet Singh's career faced a major setback in 2016 due to a frustrating doping ban. However, he has moved past that bitter episode and is now fully prepared for his Olympic debut in Paris later this month.

A regular member of the Indian hockey team for several years, Jarmanpreet was picked for the 16-member squad heading to the Paris Games. Reflecting on his ban, he remarked, ''It was one of my darkest phases, filled with many uncertainties. Players don't usually recover from such setbacks easily.''

Despite being sidelined for two years, Jarmanpreet remained determined. ''I knew I had to bounce back. Thanks to a strong domestic structure, I managed to prove my potential to the selectors,'' he said. His comeback journey led him to play 98 international matches, win a silver medal at the 2018 Champions Trophy, and secure gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Currently in Switzerland for a mental conditioning camp, Jarmanpreet is eager and excited about his first Olympic outing. ''Our team has faced highs and lows together. Now, we are focused on our goal for the Paris Olympics,'' he added.

(With inputs from agencies.)