Gurjant Singh retires from Hockey to support wife Karman Kaur Thandi’s tennis Journey

Gurjant Singh (right) with wife Karman Kaur Thandi. Pic/Karman’s Instagram

From tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf to cricketers Mitchell Starc and Alyssa Healy, the world of sport is replete with tales of professional athletes forming ‘perfect' pairs. One such couple is Indian hockey star striker Gurjant Singh, 31, and tennis player Karman Kaur Thandi, 27, who tied the knot in 2023.

Gurjant, a two-time Olympic medallist, recently announced his retirement from international hockey, and is now looking forward to spending more time with his wife on Tour. "Tennis is an individual sport and it's important for her to have a good team around. Karman has supported me immensely and now, whenever I can, I will travel with her as she pursues her professional journey," Gurjan told mid-day.

Karman, among India's leading women's tennis players, having won several ITF singles and doubles titles besides making a Fed Cup appearance, wrote a heartfelt note for her husband: "My love, your retirement from national hockey isn't defined by age or title - it's defined by your mindset. I'm deeply proud of the man this sport and journey has shaped you into."

An emotional Gurjant revealed that he had discussed his retirement decision with Karman before making it public. "As two sportspersons, we understand each other's highs and lows very well. The support is unmatched. I've been battling injury for the last few months and have undergone three surgeries in my career. This time, it was getting hard to return," said Gurjant, who has 130 senior international caps with 33 goals. One of those goals is a record 13-second strike during the Pro League in Bhubaneswar in 2020, making Gurjant the fastest Indian goal scorer in international hockey. "That fastest goal will remain one of my favourite hockey memories," concluded Gurjant.