Manpreet Singh becomes India's most-capped hockey player with 413 matches

Manpreet Singh Becomes India's Most-Capped Hockey Player, Inspired by Virat Kohli

New Delhi: Indian hockey star and midfielder Manpreet Singh has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the country's most-capped hockey player. During the FIH Pro League match against Germany, Manpreet played his 413th international match, surpassing former captain and current Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey's record of 412 matches. In recognition of this achievement, Hockey India announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for the veteran player.

Manpreet, who debuted for the senior national team in 2011 at the age of 19, has been a vital force in the resurgence of Indian hockey over the past decade and a half. Hockey India lauded his contributions, describing him as the heartbeat of Indian hockey during this period.

Expressing his joy, Manpreet said representing India has been the greatest honor of his life. He dedicated this achievement to his teammates and credited his family—especially his mother, brothers, wife, and children—for their significant support throughout his journey.

The 31-year-old attributes his long and successful career to his focus on fitness, drawing inspiration from Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. He praised Kohli's fitness, aggression, and dedication, stating that these qualities serve as a model for athletes across disciplines. Manpreet also revealed his admiration for football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Kohli himself admires.

Despite winning two Olympic bronze medals, Manpreet's ultimate dream remains unfulfilled. He aspires to win an Olympic gold and a World Cup medal for India, which he says drives him to stay fit and motivated. Reflecting on his career, he described the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics as his most cherished achievement, while the 2012 London Olympics, where India finished last without a single win, was his most disappointing experience.

Looking ahead, Manpreet has set his sights on competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, contingent on his fitness levels. He emphasized that he would step aside for younger players if he feels he can no longer meet the team's standards.

On the global stage, Manpreet's 413 international matches place him fifth among the world's most-capped male hockey players. He trails Belgium's John-John Dohmen (481 matches), the Netherlands' Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia's Eddie Ockenden (451), and Great Britain's Barry Middleton (432). Notably, Manpreet is the only active player among those who have played more than 400 matches.

Hailing from Mithapur village in Jalandhar, Punjab, Manpreet has been a key figure in Indian hockey's golden era. Under his leadership, India secured a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as gold medals at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, the 2017 and 2025 Asia Cups, and multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles. His contributions to the sport have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.