Indian hockey midfielder Manpreet Singh became the most-capped player in the history of Indian hockey on Wednesday, making his 413th international appearance during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2025/26 match against Germany in Rotterdam.
The milestone saw the 33-year-old surpass former India captain and current Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey, who previously held the national record with 412 international appearances.
To mark the achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for Manpreet, recognizing his contribution to the sport and his longevity at the highest level of international hockey.
Since making his senior debut in 2011, Manpreet has been a central figure in India’s rise as a competitive force in world hockey. Over a career spanning more than 15 years, he has featured prominently in many of the team’s landmark achievements, including Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, gold medals at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, Asia Cup titles in 2017 and 2025, and multiple Asian Champions Trophy triumphs.
The record also places Manpreet among the most experienced players in international hockey history. With 413 caps, he moves to fifth on the all-time list of men’s international appearances, behind Belgium’s John-John Dohmen (481), the Netherlands’ Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia’s Eddie Ockenden (451), and Great Britain’s Barry Middleton (432).
He now stands ahead of Pakistan’s Waseem Ahmed (410) and Dutch great Jeroen Delmee (401) and is currently the only active men’s international player to have crossed the 400-cap mark.
Born in Mithapur, Jalandhar, Manpreet has been widely regarded as one of the leading midfielders of his generation. His achievements have earned him some of India’s highest sporting honours, including the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
Expressing his happiness on reaching the milestone, Manpreet said:
“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. 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.”
Speaking about what continues to drive him, Manpreet added:
“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.”
Congratulating Manpreet on the historic achievement, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said:
“Becoming the most-capped player in Indian hockey history is truly an extraordinary accomplishment and one that reflects Manpreet’s remarkable dedication, consistency and passion for the sport. To represent the country at the highest level for so many years and maintain such exceptional standards is a rare achievement.”
“Manpreet has played a central role in many of the team’s greatest successes in recent times, including the historic return to Olympic podium with a bronze medal in Tokyo. Records are meant to inspire future generations and I am delighted to see this milestone achieved by a player who has given so much to Indian hockey. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate him and wish him many more memorable moments in the Indian jersey.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh said:
“Manpreet Singh’s journey is an example of commitment, dedication and excellence. To become India’s most-capped hockey player is a testament to the hard work and discipline he has displayed throughout his career. Over the years, he has consistently delivered for the team in some of the biggest tournaments at the global stage and has inspired our young players through his performances and leadership.”
“This milestone is not only a personal achievement for Manpreet but also a proud moment for Indian hockey. We congratulate him on this historic feat and wish him continued success ahead.”- Singh added.
The landmark appearance comes as Indian hockey commemorates 100 years of its competitive legacy, adding another significant chapter to the sport’s history and underscoring Manpreet’s role in one of the most successful periods of the modern era.
(With inputs & pic from Hockey India)
