Fresh off becoming India’s most-capped men’s hockey player with 413 international appearances, veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh made it clear that the landmark achievement is not the finish line but another milestone in a journey still driven by bigger ambitions: winning the FIH Hockey World Cup and pursuing Olympic gold.
Addressing the media during a press conference arranged by Hockey India after surpassing Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 caps, Manpreet reflected on his remarkable 15-year international career, the sacrifices behind his longevity, and the goals that continue to fuel him at the age of 33.
While the record places him among the sport’s greatest-ever players, Manpreet insisted that his focus remains firmly on team success.
“My dream has always been to play for India and win medals for the country. We have won Olympic bronze medals, but the hunger is still there. I haven’t won the World Cup yet, and Olympic gold remains a dream. Those are the things that continue to motivate me every day,” he said.
With the FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games scheduled later this year, Manpreet believes India is heading into a crucial phase. The experienced midfielder expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and backed the current squad to challenge for major honours.
“This year is very important for us. The World Cup and Asian Games are huge tournaments. The team’s performances have been good and I am confident we can do well. It’s been a long time since India won a World Cup medal, and we are determined to change that,” he stated.
A defining factor behind Manpreet’s extraordinary longevity has been his commitment to fitness. The midfielder, who is currently the only active men’s international player with more than 400 caps, revealed that maintaining elite physical standards remains his top priority.
“In modern hockey, if you’re not fit, you cannot survive at the highest level. As I’ve grown older, I’ve paid even more attention to my fitness because younger players are constantly pushing the standards higher. My goal is simple, I want to be in the team because I deserve my place,” he explained.
Manpreet also spoke candidly about the sacrifices that came with representing India for over a decade and a half.
Long periods away from home meant missing some of the most important moments in his children’s lives, but he believes the journey has been worth it.
“I’ve missed many family moments, including seeing my children take their first steps and speak their first words. Those are sacrifices athletes make. But when you look back at what you’ve achieved for the country, all those sacrifices feel worthwhile,” he said.
Looking back on his career, Manpreet identified India’s historic bronze-medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics as the most cherished moment of his journey.
“Winning an Olympic medal was a dream. For 41 years, Indian hockey had waited for that moment. To be part of the team that ended that wait is something I will never forget,” he recalled.
At the same time, he pointed to the London 2012 Olympics, where India finished last, as the lowest point of his career, an experience that ultimately shaped his growth as a player.
“That tournament taught me how much improvement was needed, both individually and as a team. It pushed me to work harder and become a better player,” he said.
Despite his record-breaking achievement, Manpreet emphasized that his role within the squad remains unchanged.
The former captain said his responsibility as a senior player is to support younger teammates and help maintain the culture that has driven India’s resurgence on the world stage.
“Whether I was captain or not, my approach has always been the same. My job is to help the team, support younger players and ensure we keep moving forward together. Hockey is never about one individual; it is always about the team,” he said.
The veteran midfielder also acknowledged the influence of sporting icons such as Virat Kohli, particularly in maintaining elite fitness standards and a relentless competitive mindset.
With 413 caps already to his name and major tournaments still ahead, Manpreet’s remarkable career shows little sign of slowing down. For the midfielder who has become synonymous with India’s modern hockey resurgence, the focus remains on adding more silverware to an already glittering legacy.
“The record is special, but there is still a lot left to achieve. Right now, my full focus is on the World Cup and the Asian Games. The journey isn’t over yet,” he signed off.
