Indian men’s hockey defender Jarmanpreet Singh has dismissed speculation about his retirement, making it clear that he intends to continue playing and has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 30-year-old is among four senior players reportedly expected to be phased out of the national team after the Asian Champions Trophy as Hockey India looks to build a squad for the next Olympic cycle. However, Jarmanpreet remains determined to contribute to the team and believes he still has more to offer at the international level.
Jarmanpreet, who hails from Amritsar, said he wants to continue performing for India and help the team achieve success at the Los Angeles Games. He described India’s qualification for the Olympics through its gold-medal victory at the Asian Games as a significant achievement. The defender expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and said the players would begin focusing on the Olympic campaign after the ongoing tournament. He also shared his ambition of helping India win the gold medal in Los Angeles.
Reports earlier this month indicated that Jarmanpreet, Mandeep Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma could be playing their final assignments for India at the Asian Champions Trophy. All four players were part of India’s Paris Olympics bronze-medal-winning squad and the team that secured gold at the Asian Games. The reported move is understood to be part of Hockey India’s long-term transition strategy, aimed at preparing younger players for the 2028 Olympics. However, the speculation has raised questions about the future of several experienced members of the squad.
India captain Harmanpreet Singh also rejected the retirement reports, describing them as rumours. He stated that no such discussion had taken place within the team and questioned the accuracy of the speculation. His comments added to the uncertainty surrounding reports of a planned transition involving the four senior players. Jarmanpreet, who has earned 171 international caps, remains an important member of the national side and has won two Asian Games gold medals, along with the Olympic bronze medal in Paris. He was also honoured with the Arjuna Award for his contribution to Indian hockey.
The defender said he has continued working to improve his defensive abilities, create opportunities and contribute more effectively to the team’s overall performance. He intends to keep developing his skills and fulfilling his responsibilities on the field. India enter the Asian Champions Trophy as the highest-ranked team in Asia and one of the favourites to win the competition, having recently secured Asian Games gold. However, Jarmanpreet stressed that the team would not underestimate any opponent and would approach the tournament one match at a time.
The tournament also marks the return of international hockey to Punjab after a gap of 17 years, bringing the sport back to one of its traditional strongholds. Jarmanpreet welcomed the opportunity to compete in front of home supporters, particularly in a state that has produced numerous Indian hockey players. He thanked Hockey India and the Punjab government for bringing the competition to the region and said the team was well prepared. With the Los Angeles Olympics firmly in his sights, Jarmanpreet’s latest comments underline his determination to continue representing India rather than bring his international career to an end.