Manpreet Singh Surpasses Dilip Tirkey as India’s Most-Capped Hockey Player

Former Indian captain Manpreet Singh has become the most-capped player in Indian hockey history, surpassing the long-standing national record held by former captain and Olympian Dilip Tirkey.

The veteran midfielder earned his 413th international cap during India’s FIH Pro League match against Germany in the Netherlands on Wednesday, moving past Tirkey’s mark of 412 appearances for India. To commemorate the milestone, Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for Manpreet.

The achievement comes during a landmark year for Indian hockey as the sport celebrates 100 years of its rich history. Manpreet’s record-setting appearance adds another chapter to that legacy, cementing his place among the most accomplished players the country has produced.

Like former Indian captain Pargat Singh, Manpreet hails from Mithapur village in Punjab. While Pargat earned recognition for leading India at two consecutive Olympic Games, Manpreet has brought further distinction to the village by becoming the most-capped player in the history of Indian hockey. Pargat Singh currently serves as a three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment.

Manpreet achieved the milestone during India’s second match of the current FIH Pro League leg. India entered the contest against Germany after a narrow 2-3 loss to hosts the Netherlands in the opening game. The Indian team is still searching for its first outright victory of the 2026 Pro League season, having lost six of its previous nine matches. India secured bonus points in three drawn games by winning the ensuing shootouts.

In recognition of the achievement, Hockey India congratulated Manpreet and announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for the veteran playmaker.

For more than 15 years, Manpreet has been a central figure in Indian hockey, serving as a key midfielder and leader during one of the sport’s most successful modern eras. Since making his senior debut in 2011 at the age of 19, he has played a pivotal role in India’s rise on the international stage.

The milestone also places Manpreet among an elite group of players in world hockey. With 413 international appearances, he ranks fifth on the all-time list for men’s international caps 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 has now moved ahead of former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey, Pakistan’s Waseem Ahmed (410), and Dutch great Jeroen Delmee (401).

At 33, Manpreet is currently the only active men’s international player with more than 400 caps, highlighting both his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

His career has mirrored the resurgence of Indian hockey. From a challenging Olympic debut at the London 2012 Games to captaining India to a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet has been at the heart of many of the team’s major achievements. His accomplishments include Asian Games gold medals in 2014 and 2022, Asia Cup titles in 2017 and 2025, multiple Asian Champions Trophy triumphs, and back-to-back Olympic bronze medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

One of the finest midfielders of his generation, Manpreet was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2021 in recognition of his contributions to Indian hockey.

Reflecting on 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,” he added.

Speaking about his continued motivation, Manpreet, who will turn 34 later this month, said, “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, 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 also praised the veteran midfielder, stating, “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.”

Related posts:

Indian Hockey’s Road to LA 2028: Tejinder Singh Aujla on Qualification Challenges, Transition, and Governance Olympian Avtar Singh Sohal’s Lifelong Dedication Continues to Inspire Global Hockey Obituary: Canada Owes it to Raja Randhir Singh England Defeats India 2–0 to Win Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier in Hyderabad; Salima Tete Reaches 150 International Caps