Two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh retires from hockey, leaves a legacy of glory

India’s two-time Olympic medallist Gurjant Singh has announced his retirement from international hockey, ending a remarkable chapter in the sport. The 31-year-old forward from Khailara village, Amritsar , made the decision after a back injury last year prevented him from reclaiming his spot in the national team.

Gurjant, who debuted for the senior team in 2017, represented India in 130 matches , scoring 33 goals along the way. He played an integral role in India’s bronze medal triumphs at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics , and contributed to the gold medal victory at the 2023 Asian Games in China .

Speaking at the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards in New Delhi, Gurjant reflected on his journey: “Since the June Pro League last year , I was forced to sit out due to a back injury. I played Hockey India League and domestic hockey afterward, but never managed to return to the senior team. I felt it was the right time to step aside and give juniors a chance.”

Despite retiring from the international stage, Gurjant will continue playing in the Hockey India League, domestic competitions, and potentially in clubs abroad . Employed with the Punjab government’s Sports Department , he remains committed to hockey and mentoring the next generation.

Gurjant’s rise was meteoric. He drew attention with his pace and instinct during his junior years, playing a key role in India’s 2016 Junior FIH World Cup triumph in Lucknow, scoring in the final. His international career is studded with Asian Games and Asia Cup golds , multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles , and the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2021 .

A record he will long be remembered for is scoring the fastest goal by an Indian in international hockey , just 13 seconds into a 2020 FIH Pro League game against the Netherlands in Bhubaneswar, leading India to a thrilling 5-2 win .

“I started my hockey journey looking up to the seniors, and to have fulfilled my dream of representing India alongside them is something I will always cherish,” Gurjant said. He was felicitated with a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh by Hockey India during the ceremony.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, Gurjant concluded, “I feel incredibly satisfied to have been part of the historical revival of Indian hockey. Two Olympic medals, countless memories, and the chance to serve my country, I leave the international stage a happy and proud man .”