Jarmanpreet Singh’s world turned upside down in 2015 when a pain-relief injection given by a village doctor put him in the doping spotlight. At just 19, the young hockey player was slapped with a two-year ban, halting his promising career and delivering a crushing setback.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Jarmanpreet’s story is one of remarkable resilience. From the depths of despair, he has risen to become an Olympic medallist and a soon-to-be Arjuna Award honouree, cementing his legacy as one of Indian hockey's most inspiring comeback stories.

"I was elated when I got the news (shortlisted for Arjuna) because it's every player's dream to get such a big honour," said Jarmanpreet, his excitement transporting him back to 2014-15.

His pride takes him back to 2014-15, when he was chosen by the Punjab franchise of the Hockey India League during its early days. His defensive talent and physical presence, honed at Jalandhar’s renowned Surjit Hockey Academy, made him a promising player to watch.

However, his ascent was abruptly halted when traces of a banned substance were detected in his dope test in January 2015. The cause? A painkiller injection administered by a local doctor in his village, Rajdhan, in the Amritsar district.

"It was a really tough phase because for a player to get disconnected from the sport for two years is a setback," said Jarmanpreet, now 28 and a mainstay in the Indian national hockey team.

Reflecting on those challenging times, he remarked, “But now when I look back at it, I recall it as a learning phase of my career. It taught me a lot about life, relations and how important the family that had the biggest role to play at that time with their support is. They stood by me at every step of the way.”

Many in his position might have walked away from hockey or pursued opportunities abroad, but Jarmanpreet chose a different path. Determined to redeem himself, he quietly focused on his fitness and refined his skills during the ban.

His comeback began at the 2017 Nationals, where his performance turned heads. In no time, he caught the attention of national selectors and earned a spot among the core probables. By 2018, he was back in the Indian squad, helping the team secure a silver medal at the Champions Trophy in the Netherlands.

Employed with the Income Tax Department, Jarmanpreet’s journey hit another speed bump in 2021, when he was overlooked for the Tokyo Olympics squad under coach Graham Reid. Despite this, he remained resolute, dedicating himself to further improving his game.

Under the mentorship of coach Craig Fulton, Jarmanpreet transformed himself into a more polished player, ultimately earning his place at the Paris Olympics. With his contributions, India clinched a bronze medal—securing their second consecutive Olympic podium finish. It was no surprise when his name appeared in the 2024 Arjuna Award list, a recognition he earned through sheer perseverance.

"I was very happy. The family back home too was happy to hear about this. A family has the biggest role in a player's journey," he said, highlighting the unwavering support of his loved ones.