New Delhi: Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh created history on Wednesday by becoming the most-capped player in Indian hockey, making his 413th international appearance during India’s FIH Pro League match against Germany. The landmark achievement saw the 33-year-old surpass former India captain and current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who concluded his illustrious career with 412 international caps.
The milestone marks another remarkable chapter in Manpreet’s distinguished career, which has spanned more than 15 years and coincided with a resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage.
In recognition of the achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for the midfielder, describing him as one of the most influential and dedicated players of the modern era.
Record-breaking achievement for Indian hockey
Manpreet’s 413th international appearance came during India’s FIH Pro League encounter against Germany, officially making him the most-capped player in the history of Indian hockey.
The achievement surpasses the long-standing record held by Dilip Tirkey, one of India’s greatest defenders and a former captain who retired after earning 412 international caps.
Hockey India praised Manpreet’s contribution to the national team, noting that he has been the backbone of India’s midfield for over a decade and a half. The federation credited him with playing a crucial role in helping India regain its status among the world’s top hockey nations.
Key figure in India’s resurgence
Manpreet made his senior international debut in 2011 at the age of 19 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most dependable midfielders.
Over the years, he has been central to several of India’s major achievements in international hockey. His leadership and consistency have earned him widespread respect from teammates, coaches and fans alike.
One of the defining moments of his career came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he captained India to a historic bronze medal, ending the country’s 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal.
He also played a pivotal role in India’s bronze-medal finish at the Paris Olympics in 2024, further cementing his legacy as one of the nation’s finest hockey players.
Impressive list of achievements
Apart from Olympic success, Manpreet has been instrumental in numerous international victories.
His achievements include gold medals at the Asian Games in 2014 and 2022, Asia Cup triumphs in 2017 and 2025, and several Asian Champions Trophy titles.
Throughout his career, he has consistently been one of the first names on the team sheet, known for his exceptional work rate, leadership qualities and ability to control the pace of the game from midfield.
His longevity at the highest level of the sport has made him a role model for younger players aspiring to represent India.
Manpreet dedicates record to team and family
Reacting to the historic milestone, Manpreet described it as one of the proudest moments of his life.
He said representing India has always been the greatest honour of his career and dedicated the achievement to his teammates, family members and Hockey India for their continuous support over the years.
Despite reaching the record, Manpreet emphasised that his ambitions remain unchanged. He stated that his focus continues to be on helping India achieve greater success in the future, including winning an Olympic gold medal and delivering strong performances at upcoming World Cups.
Among the world’s most-capped hockey players
With 413 international appearances, Manpreet now ranks fifth among the most-capped men’s hockey players globally.
Only Belgium’s John-John Dohmen (481 caps), the Netherlands’ Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia’s Eddie Ockenden (451) and Great Britain’s Barry Middleton (432) have played more international matches.
Notably, Manpreet is currently the only active men’s international hockey player to have crossed the 400-cap mark, highlighting his extraordinary consistency and durability.
A native of Mithapur village in Punjab’s Jalandhar district, Manpreet’s contributions to Indian sport have also been recognised through prestigious national honours. He received the Arjuna Award in 2018 and was conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour, in 2021.
His latest milestone further strengthens his place among the legends of Indian hockey and serves as a testament to a career defined by excellence, leadership and unwavering commitment to the national team.
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