India hockey star Sukhjeet Singh is heading to the Paris Olympics after putting to bed a grueling battle against paralysis. Singh’s right leg was temporarily paralyzed owing to a back injury that forced him to be on the sidelines for months. Sukhjeet’s comeback is however greater than his setback as he is set to prove himself in the biggest stage of them all.
Sukhjeet overcomes paralysis barrier
“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 am honoured to have this opportunity,” Sukhjeet, who made his India debut in 2022, said in a Hockey India (HI) release.
Sukhjeet’s injury and his comeback journey
Despite being named in the core probable camp in 2018, Sukhjeet was forced to sit out due to a freak injury.
“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 explained.
After recovering from the injury, Sukhjeet finally donned the coveted blue jersey against Spain during the 2021-22 FIH Pro League season,