"The aim is to be close to my best version for Paris 2024 Olympics" - Jarmanpreet Singh
Jarmanpreet Singh made his debut for the Indian Men's Hockey team in 2018 at the Men's Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda. The defender now has 106 appearances for India. He has earned several accolades, which include a gold at the 2018 Men's Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat and a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Adding to his illustrious career, Jarmanpreet also bagged the gold medal when the Indian Men's Hockey team won the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Looking at recent times, he has had a commendable outing in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/2024. He also played his 100th international game when India faced Belgium on May 24.
Putting in a brilliant performance during India's 3-0 triumph over Germany on June 1, he was also adjudged the Player of the Match. He now looks forward to improving further and be at his best close to the Paris Games.
“The FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 matches in Antwerp and London turned out to be a good experience. We had the opportunity to test ourselves against different teams that employ various structures. These matches helped us pinpoint areas for improvement in our game while also reaffirming our strengths. Winning the Player of the Match against Germany was a pleasant feeling.
"It is imperative to perform well in the build-up to a major tournament as it helps build confidence, and I’m glad to receive recognition for my performances. But as a player, improvement never stops, and the aim is to improve further in the upcoming camp to be close to my best version for the Paris 2024 Olympics,” the 27-year-old said while reflecting on his recent performances (as per Hockey India).
Jarmanpreet Singh hopes to make the Indian squad for the Paris Olympics 2024
Under chief coach Craig Fulton, Jarmanpreet Singh has been a regular in the side. He has started in every game of the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, and the Test matches against South Africa and Australia.
Moreover, he also started in all the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/2024 games barring the one against Germany on June 8, where he came on during the second half.
Jarmanpreet went on to describe the atmosphere in the team and feels that they are in good rhythm.
"The chemistry in the team is exceptional. We have regular player meetings off the pitch where we discuss previous games and ways we can help each other on the pitch. The whole team is pulling in the same direction, and I feel we are in good rhythm," he said.
The defender also expressed his desire to make it to the Indian team for the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
"Like all the other players, I always try to give my best on the pitch and hope to make the squad for the Olympics. It would be a matter of great pride for me and my family if I play in my first Olympic Games at the Paris 2024 Olympics—a dream come true. If I do get selected, my aim would still be to give my hundred percent for the team, as the team always comes first," he concluded.