Defender Jarmanpreet Singh is in no mood to retire just yet despite being among four senior players that Hockey India reportedly plans to phase out after the Asian Champions Trophy, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in his sights. The move is understood to be part of Hockey India’s long-term transition strategy with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, for which India qualified by winning gold at the recent Asian Games. Earlier this month, Hockey India sources had informed PTI that Jarmanpreet, Mandeep Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma, all members of India’s Paris Olympics and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games medal-winning squads, are set to feature in their final assignment for India at the Asian Champions Trophy, which begins on Tuesday.
I want to do my best for the team,” the 30-year-old defender from Amritsar told PTI.
I will continue to work on my responsibilities as a defender and try to improve further,” Jarmanpreet said. However, Jarmanpreet said the team cannot afford to be complacent. Every team comes here to give its best, and we will also strive to perform well as a team,” he said. I think our team is well prepared for this tournament,” Jarmanpreet said.
“I want to continue playing and perform well at the Los Angeles Olympics. “Qualifying for the Olympics by winning the gold medal at the Asian Games is a big achievement for our team. It is a great opportunity for us, and we are well prepared for the Los Angeles Olympics. “After this tournament, we will begin our preparations for LA. I want the team to perform well there and win the gold medal,” he added. “I don’t think it is correct news and we haven’t discussed anything on these lines within the team. “I have tried to improve my defensive skills, create good opportunities and contribute to the team’s performance. Five-time champions India, the highest-ranked side in the Asian Champions Trophy, enter the tournament as favourites. “We are playing at full strength and are the number one team in Asia, but we will not underestimate any opponent. We will approach the tournament one match at a time. “This is a great opportunity for Punjab and its players to play on their home ground, especially at a place where many of us started playing hockey. I thank Hockey India and the Punjab government for giving us this opportunity.
I think these are rumours,” Harmanpreet said during the pre-tournament captains’ press conference on Monday.
