How Jugraj Singh Fast-Tracked His Journey from Domestic Circuit to the National Team
Jugraj Singh’s international hockey journey is starkly different from many of his team-mates – he was never part of the junior team, who would typically rise through the ranks and be part of the national camp for long periods before being handed the ‘Indian debut’. It was a case of the 26-year-old Punjab lad literally not just ‘knocking on the selectors and coaches’ door, but eventually barging in’ with a string of impressive performances in the domestic circuit. He first made it to the 60 national probables and subsequently among the 33 national probables. “My journey to the national side is a bit different as I never played for the junior team or associated with the national camp. It was my robust performance at the 2020 senior nationals at Jhansi for Services Sports Control Board that helped me earn an India call-up. I was named the Best Fullback and Player of the Tournament in the nationals,” says the soft spoken defender who takes drag-flicks at a speed of 130-35 km/h) in a chat with Hockey Passion.
Jugraj, who hails from Attari village along the India-Pakistan border, is much more than just a drag-flicker – people who watch him in the domestic circuit know for sure how he can overlap as a midfielder and even score field goals. His open play goal for Indian Navy against Indian Oil in the semifinal of the 2021 Senior Nehru Hockey Tournament at Hyderabad is still talked about as one of the best goals of the tournament. He made his senior international debut against France at Potchefstroom in the 2022 Pro League match which India won 5-0. He made his impact felt in his second international game, slamming a first-half hattrick to help orchestrate a big 10-2 win over hosts South Africa at Potchefstroom.
The Indian Navy-employed deep defender obviously had a lot to prove at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy simply because he did not make it to the final 16 for the 2024 Paris Olympics as well as for the 2023 Asian Games. For the Paris Olympics, he was a reserve player alongside goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak and midfielder Nilakanta Sharma. “I always strive to give my hundred percent for the national team. Team selection is always dependent on how coaches think and the kind of structure they want to go with. My job is to deliver whenever opportunities come my way,” he says.
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The Indian player, who has made 63 international appearances and scored 21 goals, bubbles with excitement over India’s impressive run in the Asian Champions Trophy. “We played consistent hockey and did not lose a single match, which is a big thing. There is so much love for India hockey from the public and we want to keep performing and live up to the expectations of all and sundry every time we step out on the pitch.”
The India fullback has clearly made rapid strides in the national side. “There is a big difference between playing domestic hockey and international hockey. I have become much fitter and made adjustments to my game as well. I want to cement my spot in the Indian team and I’m focused on that.”
Drag-flickers had a tough time in the Paris Olympics – the conversion rate left a lot to be desired. “I think there is scope to bring more variation in our drag as hitting straight and finding the target may not always work as you have two players rushing out to block your lines. We can take the drag a bit to our right or left and then unleash,” he makes his point.
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The demure Indian deep defender is a big late Sidhu Moosewala fan. “I love listening to the songs of late Sidhu Moosewala. It helps me stay relaxed,” he says.
Hockey players from Punjab typically show a keenness to join the Punjab Police. But Jugraj has no plans. “Indian Navy has done a lot for me and I would love to continue to be part of Indian Navy or Services Sports Control Board and serve the country,” he wraps up leaving no one in doubt how he is happy playing for his current employers.
