No one more deserving than Manpreet Singh: Dilip Tirkey

KOLKATA: As the Indian men’s hockey team begins their European leg of the FIH Pro League against the Netherlands on Sunday, one player who will be the cynosure of all eyes is Manpreet Singh.The former India captain will not only be making a comeback to the team after last playing for the country against South Africa in Dec 2025, but will also equal Dilip Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 international matches — the most by an Indian.

With the World Cup and Asian Games coming up, Tirkey expects Manpreet to do extraordinary things, believing it has all been possible because of his “fitness, hunger and humility.”“He has always treated every match like it’s his first cap, never taking his place for granted. He’s adapted his game as hockey has evolved — faster, more physical, more tactical — and he’s kept learning from coaches and younger players alike,” added Tirkey.While he is set to become the most capped Indian player ever, Manpreet has also been one of the most consistent performers over the past decade, winning numerous accolades, including two Olympic bronze medals — the first as captain in Tokyo.“As captain, he was calm under pressure and led by example rather than just words. Off the field, he’s been a mentor to younger players, someone they can turn to for guidance,” Tirkey added.

Speaking of youngsters, the HI president believes he has been the perfect senior for others to learn from. “Discipline, patience and respect for the jersey — Manpreet never let his standards slip, whether in training, fitness or his attitude towards the team,” said the former India captain.Besides Manpreet’s milestone, the team’s performance will also be in focus as they look to turn things around after a below-par showing in their first eight Pro League matches, where they lost five, including a 0-8 drubbing at the hands of Argentina in Rourkela.

The remaining three matches ended in draws, of which they won one via shootout.“The first phase was not up to our expectations, no doubt, and we’ve been honest about that internally. But I have full confidence in this group,” Tirkey added.“These matches are exactly the kind of high-pressure exposure the team needs heading into the Asian Games and World Cup cycle. I’m confident the players will respond positively — this team has shown before that it can bounce back when it matters most.”The team will hope to do just that and make it a special outing for Manpreet.