From Punjab to 400 Caps: Manpreet Singh’s Remarkable Hockey Journey

Image Source: The Bridge

Manpreet Singh just hit a major milestone in his hockey career—he’s now the second Indian men’s player ever to play 400 international matches. This happened during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League game against Australia in Antwerp. It’s a big deal, and here’s why it matters.

Key Points:

Manpreet started playing for India back in 2011 when he was just 19. Now, at 33, he’s joined a very exclusive club. Only Dilip Tirkey, who played 412 matches, has more international appearances for India.

Globally, Manpreet is only the eighth male hockey player to reach 400 matches. That says a lot about his fitness and commitment.

He’s been at the heart of India’s recent successes, including leading the team to Olympic bronze medals in both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Those medals ended a long Olympic drought for Indian hockey.

Over the years, Manpreet has helped India win four Asian Champions Trophy titles, two Asian Games golds, and silver medals at the Commonwealth Games. He’s also picked up several individual awards, including the Arjuna Award and the Khel Ratna.

Manpreet said hitting 400 games is something he never imagined when he started. He thanked his coaches, teammates, and fans for their support.

Hockey India’s president, Dilip Tirkey, called Manpreet the backbone of the team for the past decade.

Despite the celebration, India lost the match to Australia 2-3. That’s their sixth straight defeat in the European leg of the Pro League, so there’s still work to do.

Source: ABP Live