DEFENDING SUCCESS

From a two-year ban to winning an Olympic medal, Indian hockey's defensive pillar JARMANPREET SINGH speaks to Kayal Arivalan about his game and the goals that define his career

- Kayal Arivalan

When Jarmanpreet Singh shares about defending, it's about more than just a position on the hockey field. Born in Amritsar in 1996, the Indian hockey star has turned every challenge into a stepping stone towards success. His journey from being sidelined to standing tall as one of India’s most reliable defenders has been filled with challenges, and he recounts one of these. "The one match I'll never forget is the Paris Olympics quarterfinal against Great Britain, where we played with 10 men after Amit Rohidas was given the red card," he recalls. “That match was all about fighting back. We had to anticipate every move, block every chance, and keep the team steady under relentless pressure.”