Manpreet Singh equals Dilip Tirkey’s India record as cap dispute ends

Manpreet Singh equaled former India captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey’s Indian record of 412 caps when he took the field during the FIH Pro League match against the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday, June 14. That finally ends the chatter around suggestions that the midfielder would be held back from breaking Tirkey’s record at the start of the year.

Manpreet is the only active player currently in the star club with over 400 international appearances. He played a key 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. (Credit: Hockey India X)

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

“I congratulate Manpreet on reaching this significant milestone, which is a remarkable achievement and reflects his dedication, commitment and consistency over the years. I wish him all the best in his upcoming matches and hope to see him play on many more occasions. We are grateful for his continued contributions to Indian hockey,” Tirkey said in a statement from Hockey India.

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

India will play in the World Cup and Asian Games. There have been suggestions that coach Craig Fulton was prepared to step down from his role due to the intervention from HI.

However, Manpreet gave the allegation some respite when he told the media during the Hockey India Awards that Tirkey gave him his blessing to go and break the record.

“A lot of things happened. I also spoke to Mr. Dilip personally. He told me that he won’t have any problem if I play 412 matches. He wants me to break the record. He wants me to become the first Indian to play 500 matches. That’s what he wants. He said he would be very happy if I break the record,” said Manpreet.

India will face the Netherlands and Germany twice during their Rotterdam leg of the Pro League. They will face Germany on June 17 and 18, which will give Manpreet a chance to surpass Tirkey and break the record.

– The end

Published on:

14 Jun 2026 21:01 IST