For over a decade, Manpreet Singh has been at the centre of Indian hockey’s modern revival — a tireless midfielder, an unyielding leader, and a symbol of resilience. He has seen it all: the heartbreaks, the slow rebuild, the global respect reclaimed. Yet, nothing encapsulates his journey better than a rare milestone he achieved on 15 June 2024 — his 400th international cap.
In a FIH Pro League match against Australia in Europe, the 33-year-old from Punjab became only the second Indian men’s hockey player to achieve the feat, joining the ranks of legend and current Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey.
Born in Mithapur, a village in Punjab’s Jalandhar district known for producing hockey greats — from Swarup Singh to Pargat Singh — Manpreet has carried that legacy forward with remarkable pride. And yet, even in a career gilded with medals and accolades, this milestone struck a personal chord.
I still remember the goosebumps from my debut. To stand here 400 games later is surreal,” “This milestone belongs to every coach who challenged me, every teammate who backed me, and every fan who stood by me. I still play with the same hunger I had at 19.
That hunger has yielded results. Manpreet has helped India climb out of obscurity to stand tall once again on the global stage. His medal cabinet is a testament to that grit:
• Two Olympic bronze medals (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
• Four Asian Champions Trophy titles
• Two Asian Games gold medals
He captained India to a historic bronze in Tokyo — a moment that ended a 41-year Olympic medal drought and became a national watershed.
Tokyo will always be special. To win that medal after four decades… I can’t describe the feeling. It was even more emotional because my father, who always dreamt of seeing me win an Olympic medal, wasn’t there to witness it.
From finishing 12th at the London 2012 Olympics to standing on back-to-back podiums, Manpreet’s career has mirrored Indian hockey’s own redemption arc.
I’ve lived the full spectrum — the lows of 2012 to the highs of Tokyo and Paris. But I’m not done yet. Now the focus is on winning a medal at the FIH World Cup. That’s the missing piece.
A decorated athlete, Manpreet has won nearly every top individual honour in Indian sport:
• Arjuna Award (2018)
• FIH Men’s Player of the Year (2019)
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2021)
• Hockey India Player of the Year (2019)
• Ajit Pal Singh Midfielder of the Year (2014, 2021)
And yet, the humility remains. “I’m still learning. Every day. The focus now is on fitness — without top-level fitness, you can’t survive modern hockey. That’s the reality.”
“Very few athletes demonstrate the kind of consistency and endurance that Manpreet has. He has been the spine of the Indian team through its most transformative decade. His fitness, leadership, and calmness under pressure set him apart. We’re proud of what he’s achieved — and even prouder of how he’s done it.”
As India eyes new challenges — the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and beyond — Manpreet Singh remains the constant: steady, battle-hardened, and quietly inspiring.
400 caps. Two Olympic medals. One mission still burning. For Indian hockey, Manpreet isn’t just a player. He’s the pulse.
