New Delhi: Six years ago, a severe back injury left Sukhjeet Singh's right leg temporarily paralyzed, but he has since triumphed over what he describes as the toughest phase of his life to secure a spot in India's Olympic-bound men's hockey squad. Set to make his Olympic debut at the upcoming Games starting July 26, the 28-year-old forward is determined to validate his place on the team.

"Playing in the Olympics has always been a dream for me and my family. It's the pinnacle of any athlete's career, and I feel privileged to have this opportunity," Sukhjeet, who earned his India debut in 2022, expressed in a statement from Hockey India (HI). "I believe my hard work and dedication have paid off. Now, I am committed to fulfilling my role in the team with excellence and repaying the trust of my coach and teammates by giving my all in Paris."

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Born in Jalandhar, Sukhjeet began his hockey journey at the age of six under the influence of his father Ajit Singh, a former hockey player for Punjab Police. Despite his early start, reaching the senior Indian team was far from straightforward.

In 2018, Sukhjeet was selected for the core probables camp of the senior team, only to face a setback due to a sudden back injury that temporarily paralyzed his right leg, putting his dreams on hold.

"That period was one of the toughest times of my life. Being bedridden for almost five months was physically and mentally draining. I couldn't walk, let alone play hockey, and even the simplest tasks like eating by myself became impossible," he recounted. "Each day felt like my dream of playing hockey was slipping further away, and it was incredibly disheartening."

Sukhjeet credited his family, particularly his father's unwavering support and belief in his potential, for helping him persevere when he felt like giving up.

"...his refusal to let me lose hope was crucial in helping me get back on my feet. His determination to see me back on the field was infectious, and it gave me the strength to push through the pain and challenges," he acknowledged.

After recovering from his injury, Sukhjeet finally donned the prestigious blue jersey against Spain during the 2021-22 FIH Pro League season, marking his debut with a goal. In the past two years, he has demonstrated his talent and consistency, scoring 20 goals in 70 matches for the country.

His contributions were pivotal during the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar, where he scored three goals in six games, and in securing gold at the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai and the Hangzhou Asian Games the following year. Recently, Sukhjeet made significant strides in the FIH Hockey Pro League, netting five goals.

"The past two years have been incredibly rewarding for me. Every match has been a learning experience, pushing me to improve and contribute more to the team's success," he reflected. "Now, my sole focus is on the Paris Olympics, and I am determined to deliver my best performance to help our team achieve the highest honours."