Forward Gurjant Singh wants to make an impact with his skills and experience at the Asian Games | Loktej Sports News

Bengaluru, 8 September (Hindustan Reporter). After making it to the 18-member squad for the 19th Asian Games 2022, Indian men’s hockey team forward Gurjant Singh is looking to make an impact in the big tournament with his skills and experience. The 28-year-old forward, who made his senior team debut during the Test series against Belgium in 2017, had missed the previous edition of the Asian Games due to injury. This will be Gurjant’s first appearance at this prestigious event.

In an official statement released by Hockey India, Gurjant said, “I missed the previous edition of Asian Games due to injury, I had to follow the team from home, which was tough for me. But, this time in this prestigious I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to represent my country at the event.. I have worked hard on my skills over the last few months and I am looking forward to giving my best to help the team achieve its goal.’ ‘

One of the mainstays of India’s current forward line, Gurjant was introduced to hockey by his cousin, who lived in Batala, about 40 km from his birthplace Amritsar, Punjab. He honed his skills at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy before helping India win the 2016 FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in Lucknow. He has contributed to the Indian team’s memorable victories, including a bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a third-place finish at the FIH Pro League 2022/23, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 and the recent Asian Champions Trophy 2023 title win Is.

Talking about her role in the upcoming Asian Games, she said, “It has been an amazing journey so far. I have always had the support of my teammates and I am really grateful for that. I have been a part of the team for quite some time now. Time has come, and I have grown as a player over the years and learned a lot. My role at the Asian Games will be different. My focus will be on executing my finishing skills.”

India is placed in Pool A along with Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Uzbekistan. They will begin their 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 campaign against Uzbekistan on 24 September 2023. Gurjant, who has played 91 international matches so far, said the team will focus on playing good hockey and executing their plans.

“We know what is at stake; all teams will aim for nothing less than gold. It will certainly be tough, but we are up for the challenge, and will strive to win gold and ultimately qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics,” he added. “Though we won against some teams in the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, we cannot take it lightly. There are quality teams, our focus is good hockey,” he added. “Will be on playing and executing our plans.”