Manpreet Singh became India's most-capped hockey player on Wednesday, reaching 413 international appearances in India's FIH Hockey Pro League 2025/26 match against Germany in Rotterdam. Hockey India marked the feat with a ₹10 lakh cash reward, as he moved past Dr. Dilip Tirkey's 412 caps.
For Indian hockey, which is celebrating 100 years of its legacy, the milestone adds another major moment to Manpreet's long career. The 33-year-old midfield player, who made his senior debut in 2011 as a 19-year-old, is now fifth on the men's all-time international caps list and the only active player above 400 caps.
Record and rankings
With 413 matches, Manpreet is behind Belgium's John-John Dohmen (481), Netherlands' Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia's Eddie Ockenden (451) and Great
Britain's Barry Middleton (432). He is also ahead of Pakistan's Waseem Ahmed (410) and Netherlands' Jeroen Delmee (401) in the 400-caps group.
| Player | Caps |
|---|---|
| John-John Dohmen | 481 |
| Teun de Nooijer | 453 |
| Eddie Ockenden | 451 |
| Barry Middleton | 432 |
| Manpreet Singh | 413 |
Career achievements
Manpreet has been central to India's rise in world hockey for more than 15 years. His key moments include the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, gold medals at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, Asia Cup wins in 2017 and 2025, and multiple Asian Champions Trophy titles.
He also played in back-to-back Olympic bronze medal runs at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. From a difficult Olympic debut at London 2012 to captaining India to podium success, his career has tracked India's progress on the global stage.
Reaction from Hockey India and Manpreet
Hockey India president Dr. Dilip Tirkey said the record reflects Manpreet's "remarkable dedication, consistency and passion for the sport. Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh also praised his commitment, discipline and leadership across major global tournaments.
Manpreet, who hails from Mithapur, Jalandhar, has won the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021. He said playing for India has always been his biggest honour, and added that his family, teammates and Hockey India have supported him throughout his career.
