FILE PHOTO: Manpreet Singh overtook Dilip Tirkey to record the most appearances for India. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

A day after becoming the most-capped Indian hockey player in the history of the game, star midfielder Manpreet Singh has now set his sights on two more major milestones in his career -- to be the highest-capped international and representing the nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

And he very well knows fitness is key to these goals.

The 33-year-old star midfielder equalled former captain Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 international appearances during India’s FIH Pro League match against the Netherlands in Rotterdam.

But for Manpreet, the milestone is just another step in a journey that began for a young boy from Punjab who dreamt about wearing the Indian jersey.

“I remember the beginning of my journey when a kid from Mithapur dreamed of playing for India. I never imagined this journey would span 15 years and I would play more than 400 matches,” Manpreet told PTI Bhasha in an exclusive interview from Rotterdam.

While matching Tirkey’s record was a proud moment, Manpreet has more milestones on radar. He wants to surpass Belgian legend John-John Dohmen’s world record of 481 international caps. “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,” said the former India captain, who led the country to its historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a 41-year wait for a podium finish.

Fitness key to longevity

Following India’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics, Manpreet made fitness his top priority.

“After the Paris Olympics, I realised that if I want to prolong my career, I need to focus more on fitness. As we age, it’s important to pay attention to what to eat, what not to eat, and how to train in the gym. Ten years ago, I could eat anything, but now I have to think carefully,” he said.

Manpreet was also in awe of Virat Kohli’s fitness standards after the star cricketer recently praised the Indian hockey players.

“It’s a huge compliment, but Virat himself is a role model for every athlete when it comes to fitness. Even at 36, his fitness is amazing. We learn from him how important it is to maintain high standards if you want to perform consistently at the highest level,” he said.

The dream continues

Despite achieving almost everything in Indian hockey, Manpreet says his desire to represent the country remains as strong as ever.

“The desire to play for India never ends. I want to always wear the Indian jersey with pride. My goal is to continue playing in the World Cup, Asian Games and hopefully until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. I want to keep giving my 100 per cent and continue contributing to the team,” he said.

Reflecting on the recent controversy surrounding the record of most capped Indian player, Manpreet said he chose to stay focused on his game.

“I was only concentrating on my fitness and hockey. Sometimes things happen beyond your control, and there is no point dwelling on them.” He also acknowledged the support he received from Hockey India and its president Tirkey.

“When I met Dilip sir, he told me that as a former player, he wanted me to become the player with the most international matches in the world. The coaches, Hockey India and my teammates were all very supportive.”

Family sacrifices behind success

Looking back at his journey, Manpreet became emotional while speaking about the sacrifices made by his family.

“I come from a middle-class family and we faced many financial difficulties. My father was unwell and there was no other breadwinner in the family. My elder brother Amandeep had to leave his studies after Class 12. There were many hardships, but my family was always there to keep my dream alive,” he recalled.

He credited several people for his success, particularly his wife.

“Many people have contributed to my journey including my wife who has been a pillar of support throughout.”

From London’s disappointment to Tokyo’s glory

Manpreet described India’s last-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics as the lowest point of his career.

“We finished 12th in London, and that was the toughest phase of my career. I was new to the team and it was very difficult to accept.” In contrast, India’s bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics remains his proudest achievement.

“Winning the bronze medal after 41 years was the biggest achievement of my career because it was something Indian hockey had been dreaming about for decades,” he said.

Focus on World Cup and Asian Games

Although India suffered 2-3 defeat to the Netherlands in the opening FIH Pro League match of the European leg, Manpreet remains optimistic.

“The Pro League is very important because we are playing against teams like England and Pakistan, who are in our World Cup pool. We want to perform well and gain confidence. We haven’t won a World Cup medal for a long time, and the Asian Games are also important because they provide Olympic qualification. We are preparing with those targets in mind.”

Published on Jun 16, 2026