Shillong: Indian star midfielder Manpreet Singh has reached a significant career milestone, equalling Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 international appearances. The 33-year-old achieved the feat during an FIH Pro League match against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, becoming the most-capped Indian hockey player in history.
Looking ahead, Manpreet is focused on surpassing the world record of 481 caps held by Belgian player John-John Dohmen. He maintains that peak physical condition is essential to achieving this goal. "I definitely want to play the most international matches in the world. I want to break John-John Dohmen’s record, but staying fit is crucial for that. If I’m not fit, I wouldn’t want to be in the team," he said.
Since the Paris Olympics, Manpreet has refined his approach to fitness, emphasizing strict dietary habits and training regimens to prolong his professional career. He credits his longevity and performance standards to disciplined lifestyle choices and points to Virat Kohli as an inspirational figure for athletes. Despite his extensive list of achievements, including leading India to a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet remains driven by a desire to represent his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Reflecting on his journey from a young boy in Mithapur, Manpreet acknowledged the financial hardships his family endured during his early years. He expressed gratitude for the support from his wife, his teammates, and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey. While he faced a difficult start to his international career with a last-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics, he is now prioritizing upcoming campaigns in the World Cup and Asian Games to ensure India continues to compete at the highest level.
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