Industry Odisha Bureau, Jun 18: India’s 33-year-old midfield hockey star Manpreet Singh has reportedly carved a niche by surpassing the long-standing record of former captain and incumbent Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey for being India’s most-capped hockey player by making his 413th appearance for the national team during India’s FIH Pro League match against Germany in Rotterdam.
Notably, “Dilip Tirkey represented India 412 times during his distinguished career.”
Recognising Manpreet’s remarkable achievement, Hockey India has reportedly “announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh” as well as reportedly described Manpreet as “one of the greatest servants of Indian hockey in the modern era and has achieved a feat no Indian player had managed before.”
In its tribute, the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) reportedly highlighted that, “Manpreet Singh made his senior debut as a fearless 19-year-old hockey player in 2011, an since then he has been the heartbeat of Indian hockey, the centre of India’s resurgence on the world stage, a relentless midfield engine, a leader under pressure, and a symbol of consistency at the highest level.”
The IHF also reportedly underlined, “A record once considered untouchable has now cemented Manpreet’s place among the greatest players to wear the Indian jersey.”
Dedicating the remarkable achievement to his teammates, family, kith and kin, and also rendering heartfelt gratitude to Hockey India, an elated but humble Manpreet reportedly said in his reactions that, “Representing the country has always been the biggest honour of my life.”
Manpreet also reportedly said in his reactions that, “I‘ve always dreamt of playing for India and winning medals for the country. I’m proud to have won medals in back-to-back Olympics. The dream of winning an Olympic gold medal continues to inspire him, while his family and children remain a major source of motivation.”
Pertinent to note here that, “Manpreet now ranks fifth on the all-time list of men’s hockey players with the most international caps,” claimed media reports.
