Sanjay Completes 100 International Appearances for India at Asian Games

Kakamigahara: Indian hockey defender Sanjay completed 100 senior international appearances for India on Saturday, reaching the milestone during the team’s Pool A match against hosts Japan at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

The 25-year-old defender’s century of appearances comes three years after he made his senior international debut at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he was part of India’s gold medal-winning campaign.

Since then, Sanjay has been a regular presence in the Indian squad and has added several major titles to his record. In 2024, he was part of the team that won a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal at the Paris Games and also featured in India’s Asian Champions Trophy triumph.

His run of success continued in 2025 when India won the Asia Cup, adding another continental title to his growing international record.

Sanjay has also earned recognition for his defensive skills and composure on the field. His performances at the international level were recognised with the Arjuna Award in 2024.

The 100-cap milestone carries added significance for the defender as it came at the Asian Games, the same tournament where his senior international journey began with a gold medal in 2023.

To mark the occasion, Sanjay received a commemorative T-shirt from India’s Chief Coach Craig Fulton.

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey congratulated Sanjay on the milestone and said the defender’s achievement reflected his contribution to Indian hockey.

“Reaching 100 senior international appearances is a significant milestone, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sanjay on this achievement,” Tirkey said, expressing confidence that the defender would continue to contribute to the national team and inspire young players.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also congratulated Sanjay, recalling his journey from an Asian Games champion to an Olympic medallist.

“On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Sanjay on completing a century of international appearances,” Singh said, adding that Sanjay had embraced every opportunity to represent India with pride.

The milestone marks another important chapter in Sanjay’s international career, which has already seen him contribute to India’s success at the Asian Games, Olympics and major continental tournaments.