New Delhi: Midfielder Manpreet Singh, a 33-year-old fixture in the Indian men's hockey team for over a decade-and-a-half, earned his 412th international cap, equaling the all-time Indian appearance record held by former defender and skipper Dilip Tirkey.
Manpreet's journey to this milestone was marked by a turbulent period, including a disciplinary sanction that led to his exclusion from the national core probables list ahead of the Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart.
However, with the support of chief coach Craig Fulton and the team's mental health expert Paddy Upton, Manpreet was able to overcome the setback and return to the squad.
Manpreet's objectives extend into the upcoming tournament cycle, with his immediate objective being the World Cup in August and the Asian Games in September-October, where a gold medal will offer direct Olympics qualification.
India resumed Pro League action with a 2-3 loss to Netherlands, but Manpreet can make the big record his own when India next play world champions Germany on Wednesday.
