"I knew I had to bounce back" - Paris Olympics debutant Jarmanpreet Singh recalls how he overcame two-year ban
Jarmanpreet Singh, who is an astute defender of the Indian hockey team, didn't have a smooth commencement to the career he has now.
He represented India at the Junior World Cup in 2016 but an unfortunate failure in a dope test led him to stay out of action for two years. However, it wasn't intentional from Singh, who had to take an injection for his lower back pain from a medical practitioner back in his hometown, which ultimately led to his suffering for two years.
But now, Jarmanpreet Singh is a different player and person. He is currently 27 but will be playing in what will be his first-ever Olympics campaign. Singh, who is also an Income Tax officer spoke in an interaction with Hockey India about the darkest phase of his career:
"It was not easy. It was one of my darkest phases, with many uncertainties. Players don't usually emerge from a setback like this. To sit out of matches for two years is a big gap in the sport."
He further talked about his persistence and how he fought back to script his return:
"But I was persistent and I knew I had to bounce back. I don't think I could have done this without a strong domestic structure where I could show the selectors that I still had it in me. In 2018, after the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship, I was among the 50 probables in the camp."
"Hockey India gave me a chance to rebuild my career. I was selected for the national program for senior men where I was given an opportunity to catch up with my peers and make my Senior India debut. They saw that potential in me and I didn't give up on my dream to play for India at the Olympic Games."
Jarmanpreet is excited for his Olympic debut
India has a blend of youngsters and experienced campaigners in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Three years back, the Indian hockey team was successful in bringing home a bronze medal and this time out, they'll be focused on outclassing tougher opponents and bringing back a medal of a different color.
The 27-year-old said:
"The journey so far with this team has been incredible. We have gone through the highs and lows as one strong unit. Now, we are focused on our goal and we are in the last block of our preparations. I am super excited and eager to start our campaign at the Paris Olympics."