Antwerp: As the Indian national anthem echoed through Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, one figure stood tall—not just as a player but as a symbol of resilience, pride, and an era-defining journey. Manpreet Singh, India’s midfield maestro, marked a historic milestone on Thursday as he took the field for the 400th time in the blue jersey, during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match against Australia.
With this feat, the 33-year-old from Mithapur, Punjab, etched his name deeper into Indian hockey history, becoming only the second male player to cross 400 international caps—just behind former captain and current Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey (412 caps).
Yet, Manpreet’s story is more than just a statistic. It is the tale of a spirited teenager who made his debut in 2011 and rose to become the heartbeat of Indian hockey’s midfield — a constant through a transformative decade that has seen India reclaim its place among the world’s best.
Over 14 years, Manpreet has helped deliver some of the most defining moments in recent Indian hockey. His trophy cabinet tells a story of relentless pursuit and national pride:
4 Asian Champions Trophy titles (2013, 2018, 2023, 2024)
2 Asian Games Gold medals (2014, 2023)
2 Olympic Bronze medals (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
2 Commonwealth Games Silver medals (2014, 2022)
Podium finishes at the FIH World League and Champions Trophy
Recognised as much for his leadership as for his skill, Manpreet has earned some of the country’s highest sporting honours:
Arjuna Award – 2018
FIH Men’s Player of the Year – 2019
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – 2021
Hockey India’s Player of the Year – 2019
Midfielder of the Year – 2014, 2021
Speaking after the match, an emotional Manpreet reflected on the journey that began on the dusty fields of Jalandhar. “I still remember the goosebumps I felt during my debut. To be standing here 400 games later is beyond anything I imagined,” he said. “This isn’t just my milestone — it belongs to every coach, every teammate, and every fan who stood by me. I’m still learning and still hungry to give my best for the country.”
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey, who remains the only Indian man ahead of Manpreet in the all-time caps list, praised the veteran’s achievement: “Very few athletes reach this level of excellence. Manpreet has been the spine of Indian hockey through its most crucial phase of revival. His fitness, composure, and leadership make him truly exceptional.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “This is not just a number — it’s a story of discipline, dedication, and patriotism. Manpreet has not only set new benchmarks in Indian hockey but also emerged as a role model for generations to come.”
With his fitness still at peak and his leadership unwavering, Manpreet’s 400th cap is far from a curtain call. It is, instead, a celebration of an ongoing journey—one where every match played is a tribute to the past, a service to the present, and a promise for the future.
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