Jyoti Singh Biography: Indian Field Hockey Defender, Junior Captain & Rising Star from Haryana

Jyoti Singh, born on October 6, 2004, in Sonepat, Haryana, is a talented Indian field hockey defender who has rapidly progressed through the junior ranks to make her senior debut. Trained under former India captain Pritam Rani Siwach, Jyoti overcame early hardships, including the loss of her father, to emerge as a promising hockey player.

Jyoti-Singh
Jyoti-Singh

Early Life and Background

  • Jyoti lost her father, Narender Singh, in an accident during her childhood.

  • Former India captain and coach Pritam Rani Siwach supported her education and training by covering her school fees, enabling her to attend a hockey academy.

  • Inspired by family and mentors, she began playing hockey seriously at age 11.

Career Highlights

  • Junior Career:

    • Represented India at the 2023 Women’s FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, where India finished ninth.

    • Played in the Under-21 Four Nations Junior Women’s Invitational Tournament in Düsseldorf in 2023.

    • Named captain of the Indian Junior Women’s team in May 2024 for the European tour.

    • Awarded Best Player of the Tournament in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL) 2025, playing for JSW Soorma Hockey Club.

  • Senior Career:

    • Made her senior India debut in February 2025 against Spain in the FIH Pro League.

    • Played four matches in her maiden senior international tournament, including a notable victory over world No. 1 Netherlands.

    • Mentored by senior players like Sushila Chanu and Savita Punia, who helped her manage debut nerves and adapt to international competition.

Playing Profile

  • Position: Defender

  • Strengths:

    • Strong defensive skills and tactical awareness

    • Composure and maturity beyond her years

    • Leadership qualities, evidenced by her junior team captaincy

  • Style:

    • Modern defender with good ball distribution and anticipation

    • Focused on improving speed and decision-making to match international standards

Notable Facts

  • Jyoti’s journey is marked by resilience, rising from financial hardship and personal loss to national recognition.

  • Her father, Dheeraj Singh, was an international athlete, and her cousin Anuja Singh played hockey for Central Railways, providing a sporting family environment.

  • She credits senior teammates for their support during her transition to senior international hockey.

FAQs About Jyoti Singh

What position does Jyoti Singh play?
Defender

Where is she from?
Sonepat, Haryana, India

How old is Jyoti Singh?
20 (born October 6, 2004; as of July 2025)

What are her main achievements?
Captain of India’s junior women’s team (2024), Best Player of the Tournament at WHIL 2025, senior India debut in 2025, played key matches in FIH Pro League

What is her playing style?
Composed, tactically aware defender with strong leadership and growing international experience

Conclusion

Jyoti Singh is a rising star in Indian women’s hockey, known for her leadership at the junior level and promising senior debut. Her inspiring journey from Haryana to international hockey highlights her talent, determination, and the support that helped her overcome early challenges.