Watch: How Jarmanpreet Singh rebuilt his career to win Asian Games gold

When Jarmanpreet Singh stood on the podium in Aichi-Nagoya with an Asian Games gold medal around his neck, joy was written all over his face. India had just beaten Malaysia 5-1 in the men's hockey final, retaining the title and booking a direct place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

It was the defender's second Asian Games, after gold in Hangzhou in 2022, and the more meaningful one. What's more, the medal marked the culmination of a long and arduous journey, one which was almost derailed back in 2016 when a prescribed painkiller for back pain led to a failed dope test and a two-year ban that kept him away from official training groups, team environments and international fixtures.

The long way back

Before leaving for Japan, Jarmanpreet sat down with The Bridge to talk about those years.

Isolated from the national setup, he kept his conditioning going alone, driven by the hope of reclaiming his place. He spoke about the emotional toll, the faith and discipline that carried him through, and the support system that kept him grounded. Jarmanpreet credited teammates and coaches for trusting him on his return.

In this interaction, the defender spoke about his role in the squad, which rarely draws the spotlight, and about staying sharp at the highest level. Nutrition and hydration came up as non-negotiables, and that is where Fast & Up fits in to add immense value.

What comes next

Jarmanpreet now has two Asian Games golds, a bronze from the Paris Olympics and an Arjuna Award. He is clear about why the continental title matters: it is the road to the Olympics. With Los Angeles 2028 secured, his aim is to keep improving.

His message to young players is simple: setbacks, even severe ones, need not end a career. Steady work and people who believe in you can turn two lost years into the start of a defining chapter.