Beyond bronze and glory: Why Indian hockey star Manpreet Singh refuses to slow down
For nearly 15 years since his debut in 2011, Manpreet Singh has seen the mental battles athletes face — the creeping insecurities, the denial of fading abilities, and the whispers about relevance. “I want to give my 100 per cent every time I go on the ground; I don’t want anyone to think that I am taking it easy,” the 33-year-old former Indian captain tells Sportstar.
Despite winning numerous individual and team honours, including two Olympic bronze medals, four Asian Champions Trophy titles and two Asian Games golds, the midfielder still longs for the World Cup — a title India last claimed in 1975. “The next World Cup is my focus, and I’m desperate to earn a medal. It constantly motivates me to keep working harder,” he says at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru, where Craig Fulton’s team is preparing for the Asia Cup, a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
Manpreet captained India to bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, ending a 41-year Games medal drought. Now, he wants to help end the nation’s 51-year wait for a world title. “ Sabko World Cup jeetna hain (Every athlete wants to win the World Cup). Every team wants to do well in big tournaments. It has been ages since we last won a World Cup medal, and it is high time we change it.”
When he broke into the national setup as an 18-year-old alongside Sardar Singh, the team entered an era where fitness was valued as much as skill. Now the senior-most figure in the side, he is again leading by example, arriving at camp leaner than ever, which he says makes him “faster than before.” “Several talented youngsters are coming through the ranks; they are fit. So, if I have to compete with them, if I want to play good hockey for the next two to four years, then I have to be fitter than ever,” says Manpreet.
As a Cristiano Ronaldo diehard, he has borrowed more than the Portuguese superstar’s number 7 shirt. “I’m a huge fan of his mindset. Despite being over 40, he maintains his body like a youngster. I always draw inspiration from his work ethic. Even at this age, he has the hunger and continues to play well.”
His renewed fitness focus paid off. In a bleak FIH Pro League 2024–25 campaign, he emerged as one of the few bright spots. After starting strongly in Bhubaneswar with 15 points, the team slumped in Europe, adding only three more and finishing eighth out of nine. A record seven-match losing streak was broken only by Ireland’s poorer run, sparing India from relegation.
Role model: Manpreet Singh dons the iconic number seven, a nod to Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo, whose fitness, skill, and tireless work ethic at 40 continue to inspire him.
| Photo Credit:
K MURALI KUMAR
Role model: Manpreet Singh dons the iconic number seven, a nod to Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo, whose fitness, skill, and tireless work ethic at 40 continue to inspire him.
| Photo Credit:
K MURALI KUMAR
Despite the results, Manpreet sees value in the experience. “We live in a result-oriented world, and it didn’t go our way. However, it made us identify our mistakes. We didn’t play bad hockey, but there were some silly mistakes and lapses in concentration in our game. Ahead of the Asia Cup and leading to the World Cup, we will have to become better in every aspect,” says the 2019 FIH Player of the Year.
During this period, on June 15, 2025, Manpreet became only the second Indian after Dilip Tirkey to play 400 international matches. He received a guard of honour and a special jersey from the Australian team.
Yet milestones leave him unfazed. “These individual numbers don’t excite me. Make no mistake, I’m proud to represent my country on the international stage, but for me, what I’m doing to make my team win matters the most.”
A veteran of four Olympics, Manpreet has witnessed Indian hockey’s transformation over the last decade and a half — and his own life has evolved alongside it. “ Zameen aasman ka fark hain (There’s a world of difference). Hockey has become faster. Several rule changes, especially the self-start rule, have increased the pace. It has become more and more tactical,” he says.
Asked how the midfielder’s role has evolved, he is direct. “ Kaafi change hua hain (It has changed a lot). Midfield is the bridge between attack and defence, so we have to participate in both. It demands versatility, athleticism, and tactical intelligence,” he explains.
Leading into the Asia Cup, the Khel Ratna awardee reflected on the mental steel athletes need. “ Agar aapke andar belief hain, to aap kuch bhi kar sakte hain (if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything).” He says the team focuses on the future: “As a collective, we talk about ‘What’s next?’ Whatever has happened in the past cannot be changed, but we can make things better for each other in the future.”
Speaking about the personal sacrifices of international hockey, Manpreet becomes emotional. “It’s very tough. I’ve two daughters; one is three, and the other is just three months old. I don’t get to spend a lot of time with them. But whenever my elder daughter comes to see me play, it gives me extra motivation to perform. I hope she will be proud of my achievements as a player.”
His journey began in Mithapur, a small village in Jalandhar, Punjab, with a rich hockey history. Idolising local hero Pargat Singh, he honed his craft and rose to become a mainstay of the national team. Despite his accolades, he isn’t dwelling on legacy. “ Abhi tohh khelna hain, aur bhi jeetna hain (I still have to play and win a lot more titles).”
Rapid fire
If you weren’t a hockey player, what would you be?
I would probably be a driver somewhere in a foreign country.
Last movie you watched?
Housefull 5.
If you could get a superpower for a day, what would it be? And what would you do with it?
I would like to have the speed of Flash. If I have that power, I can always go back home every day from anywhere while continuing my career.
What is your favourite cheat meal?
Either pizza or burger.
Who is your favourite singer?
It depends on my mood and my environment. Before a match, I get pumped up with the energetic beats of Diljit Dosanjh and Sidhu Moose Wala. But when I’m alone and relaxing in my room, I prefer the soulful melodies of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jaani, and B. Praak.
An outright win in regulation time or a win through a penalty shootout?
Shootout.
Which team-mate can help you escape from a deserted island?
I won’t choose anyone. None of them have any survival skills. Their presence would likely hinder my chances of survival (laughs).
A secret talent you have?
I’m good at calming babies. I have a lot of experience in this department now.
Who’s the GOAT of hockey?
Dhyan Chand is the greatest. In the modern era, I would say Moritz Fürste. He is my idol.
Published on Aug 23, 2025