Manpreet Singh has etched his name in hockey history, reaching a remarkable milestone of 400 international caps. This achievement places him in an elite club, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat, following behind former captain Dilip Tirkey, who holds the record with 412 caps. Globally, Manpreet is reportedly only the eighth men's international hockey player to reach this milestone, underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment.
The 32-year-old midfielder made his debut for the Indian national team in 2011 at the age of 19, and since then, he has been an integral part of the team's growth and success. From his early days as a spirited youngster to becoming the heart of the Indian midfield, Manpreet's journey mirrors the resurgence of Indian hockey on the world stage.
Manpreet's leadership qualities have been evident throughout his career, culminating in his captaincy when India broke a four-decade-long wait for an Olympic podium finish, securing a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Having debuted at the London Olympics in 2012, where India finished last, Manpreet has now been a part of consecutive Olympic campaigns, including a historic medal-winning one.
Before his 400th match, Manpreet shared his reflections with Hockey India, recalling the goosebumps he felt during his debut game. He expressed that reaching 400 games was beyond his wildest dreams, attributing this milestone to the coaches who pushed him, teammates who supported him, and fans who believed in him.
Manpreet emphasized the importance of mindset in the team's transformation. He noted a shift from simply participating in events like the Olympics to genuinely believing in their ability to compete and win against top teams like Australia. He credited the pandemic period as a time where the team bonded, understood the value of hard work, and developed respect for each other. The team's confidence was also boosted by victories against almost every team in the Pro League leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.
On the day of his 400th cap, India faced Australia in the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Despite a strong effort, India lost to Australia 2-3. Manpreet received a green card in the first quarter after a clash. Dilpreet Singh scored a goal for India in the third quarter. Although the team didn't secure a win on this special occasion, the focus remained on celebrating Manpreet's remarkable achievement and rallying around him.
