Manpreet Singh has etched his name into Indian hockey history by becoming the most-capped player to represent the country on Wednesday. The veteran midfielder made his 413th international appearance during India’s FIH Pro League match against Germany, moving past former captain and current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who finished his career with 412 caps.
To mark the historic achievement, Hockey India (HI) has announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for the 33-year-old playmaker.
“As Indian hockey continues to celebrate 100 years of its rich legacy, Manpreet Singh, who is one of the greatest servants of the game in the modern era, has achieved a feat no Indian player has managed before,” Hockey India said in a release.
“For more than a decade
and a half, Manpreet has been the heartbeat of Indian hockey — the relentless engine in midfield, the leader in moments of pressure and the embodiment of consistency at the highest level. Since making his senior debut as a fearless 19-year-old in 2011, he has been at the centre of India’s resurgence on the world stage, helping shape one of the most successful eras in the country’s modern hockey history.
“Now, with a record that once seemed untouchable, Manpreet has cemented his legacy among the greatest players ever to wear the Indian jersey,” HI said.
Reflecting on the milestone, Manpreet described the moment as one of immense pride.
“It is a very proud moment for me to have played so many matches for India. Representing the country has always been the biggest honour of my life and reaching this milestone makes me extremely happy. I dedicate this achievement to my teammates and thank Hockey India for its support every step of the way during my career. Every player who has shared the field with me has contributed to this journey,” he said.
“Through all the highs and lows of my career, my teammates have stood by me and supported me. I would also like to dedicate this milestone to my family, especially my mother, brothers, wife and children, who have supported me unconditionally from the very beginning,” he added.
Despite reaching another major career landmark, Manpreet remains focused on the goals that continue to drive him.
“What motivates me is that I have always had a dream to play for India and win medals for the country. I am so proud to have won medals in back-to-back Olympics with the team. The World Cup and the dream of winning Olympic gold continue to inspire me every day. My children also motivate me a lot. The support of my family and teammates fills me with energy to give my best whenever I step onto the field and make them proud,” he said.
With 413 caps, Manpreet now ranks fifth among the most-capped men’s international hockey players of all time.
Only Belgium’s John-John Dohmen (481), the Netherlands’ Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia’s Eddie Ockenden (451) and Great Britain’s Barry Middleton (432) stand ahead of him on the list.
He has also moved beyond fellow members of the 400-cap club, including Pakistan’s Waseem Ahmed (410) and the Netherlands’ Jeroen Delmee (401).
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that Manpreet is currently the only active men’s hockey player in the world with more than 400 international appearances which is a testament of his longevity, consistency and sustained excellence over a 15-year career.
From a difficult Olympic debut at London 2012 to leading India to a historic bronze medal as captain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Manpreet has been at the centre of several defining moments for the national team. Over the years, he has played key roles in India’s gold-medal triumphs at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, Asia Cup victories in 2017 and 2025, multiple Asian Champions Trophy successes, and consecutive Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
Manpreet, who hails from Mithapur in Jalandhar, was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021.
