Manpreet Singh has equaled former India captain and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey’s Indian record of 412 international caps as soon as he took the field during the FIH Pro League game against Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday, June 14. This finally puts an end to the chatter There are suggestions around that the midfielder will be prevented from breaking Tirkey’s record at the start of the year.

Manpreet is currently the only active player in the club of stars with over 400 international appearances. He played an important role as captain and led India to a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Despite his age, the midfielder remains an important cog in the Indian team.

Tirkey congratulated Manpreet on the achievement and the HI president said he would like to see the midfielder play more matches for India.

In a Hockey India statement, Tirkey said, “I congratulate Manpreet on reaching this important milestone, which is a remarkable achievement and reflects his dedication, commitment and consistency over the years. I wish him all the best for the matches ahead and look forward to seeing him play on many more occasions. We are grateful for his continued contribution to Indian hockey.”

It was reported in January that Manpreet could be on the chopping block this year, as there were rumors that he would not be considered for the national team in a crucial year.

India will play in the World Cup and Asian Games. There were suggestions that coach Craig Fulton was set to step down from his role due to HI’s interference.

However, Manpreet put an end to these allegations to some extent by saying this to the media during the Hockey India Awards. Tirkey had blessed him to go and break the record.

Manpreet said, “A lot of things happened. I have also spoken to Dilip sir personally. He told me that he has no problem if I play the 412th game. He wants me to break the record. He wants me to become the first Indian to play 500 games. That’s what he wants. He said he would be very happy if I break the record.”

India will play Netherlands and Germany twice each during the Rotterdam leg of the Pro League. On June 17 and 18, they will face Germany, which will give Manpreet a chance to overtake Tirkey and break the record.

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