Jarmanpreet Singh’s career was rocked by a frustrating doping ban in 2016, but he has put that bitter episode behind him and is now preparing for his Olympics debut in Paris later this month. Jarmanpreet, a regular member of the Indian hockey team in recent years, has been selected to represent the 16-member Indian team at the Paris Games.
Reflecting on the doping ban from 2016 to 2018, Jarmanpreet described it as one of his darkest phases, filled with uncertainties. Despite the setback, he persisted and served out the two-year ban before making a comeback to competitive hockey and the Indian senior team.
Jarmanpreet credited his persistence and the strong domestic structure for helping him bounce back. After participating in the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship in 2018, he was among the 50 probables in the camp. Jarmanpreet was given a chance to rebuild his career and was selected for the national programme for senior men, eventually making his senior India debut.
Since his India debut at the 2018 Champions Trophy in Breda, the Netherlands, where India won the silver medal, the 27-year-old has played in 98 international matches. He was part of the Indian team that secured a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 and was also part of the silver-winning squad at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Now, in Switzerland for a mental conditioning camp with the Indian team, Jarmanpreet is excited and eager to experience his first Olympics. He expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Paris Olympics and emphasized the strong camaraderie and focus within the team as they aim to make a mark at the Games.