Latest news with #Manpreet
India Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Manpreet Singh hits 400: A testament to unyielding grit
For long, Manpreet Singh, that ball of zest and fiery energy in the Indian midfield, has confounded opponents across the globe; pivot in the middle, the side tackling, stick outstretched, terrier in the defence and when in that mood, he's a blur, zipping past the opposition defences, slipping to the right before slamming the ball past the startled, rather astonished the Pro League game against Australia in Antwerp, which India lost 2-3, match No. 400 was up for Manpreet. A win would have been ideal. Yet, Manpreet, the Mithapur Kid, at 400 games and counting, has outlasted many of his contemporaries. Irrespective of the talent, the grind through junior levels, and the yo-yo nature of Indian hockey, this longevity stems from consistency and resolve. Four hundred international matches suggest he may well touch five hundred, a milestone in modern hockey.I've known Manpreet since his early days in junior hockey — back then, he wasn't someone who immediately stood out. Some players are groomed and moulded; Manpreet shaped his own career, becoming central to Indian hockey. The fire within a player — whether it's about performing in matches or sustaining a long career — must be stoked by the player himself. Plenty of talent has fallen by the wayside or faded away for all kinds of reasons. But the one thing most of them lacked was that old, reliable trait: Last June, at the Dartmouth College commencement ceremony, Roger Federer said: 'It's not about having a gift. It's about having grit.'Players often chase numbers, yet when Manpreet says, 'It's just a number,' you believe him. In a conversation three years back, at The Kalinga Stadium, while the team prepared for the World Cup, I had asked him, if he became captain at Paris 2024, he would be the only one after Pargat Singh to captain India at two consecutive Olympics, both come from the same village Mithapur, near Jalandhar and Paris would put him in a rare group of Indian players to have played four consecutive Olympic Games. His response was brief: 'It doesn't matter.' Then, he added, 'It's important that I play well. I enjoy the sport. It's not about how much you play, but how much you win. Look at the Aussies — fewer games, more medals.'Manpreet's approach reflects that of top athletes. Bill Bertka, a former Lakers assistant coach, once said of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James: 'They're both intelligent and dedicated.' Abdul-Jabbar played till 42. LeBron, this year, at age 40, could set a 23-season record. If Manpreet makes it to the 2028 LA Olympics, it would be a fifth appearance — a record for Indian hockey once struggled with motivation, especially when results at the Olympics and World Cup fell short. Careers often ended due to selectors' fixation with age. The Tokyo 2020 bronze ended a 41-year Olympic medal drought. It re-energised Manpreet. He lost the captaincy but redefined his role. The Tokyo success freed him. Fitness and mindset evolved. The only Indian with more caps than him is current Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey (412). Among internationals, Belgium's World and Olympic Champion midfielder, John-John Dohmen leads with India not medalled in Tokyo; selectors may have phased out seniors, also called 'ageing legs.' Manpreet acknowledges that 400 is a significant milestone: 'It's a moment to be proud of, but this is a team's achievement. Each player has contributed.'He has slipped into the robes of a sage smoothly. From finishing last at the London 2012 Olympics to leading the junior team in 2013 and winning gold at Incheon 2014, the arc has been gradual. The Champions Trophy final appearance in 2016 and again in 2018, followed by a podium at Tokyo, showed the team's evolution. Working with coaches like Oltmans, Walsh, Reid, and now Fulton, Manpreet learned how to close the gap between performance and 32, Manpreet says his reading of the game is sharper, and he's more self-critical. 'I admit my mistakes,' he the still somewhat chaotic battle that Indian hockey gets entangled during particular quarters where space dries up and whatever you did on the board doesn't translate onto the pitch, Manpreet, is straining at the leash, breaking forth, slapping the ball ahead, switching the team into an offensive transition and popping up on the top of the circle to receive and take a shot. In seconds, he has broken a high-pressure moment with his speed and India President Dilip Tirkey calls Manpreet's 400th game a testament to 'dedication and commitment.' Tirkey believes the team's composure today comes from players like Manpreet — players who understand and manage situations 2026 World Cup will mark 50 years since India's last world title. That podium finish is still elusive. Manpreet doesn't dwell on it but knows its importance. 'It's not enough to just play well at the World Cup,' he says. 'Only a podium finish can ease the pain, end the wait.'advertisementBefore that, the Asia Cup in September looms. 'We need to qualify for the World Cup. That's the target. I just must keep fit, and we'll do it.'Motivation isn't measured by appearances. For Manpreet, it's his family — wife Illi Saddique and mother — who provide grounding and honest feedback. 'My wife especially is my sounding board. She doesn't hesitate to point out what could be better.'Anything is possible in modern sport. From teams that propel themselves into winning positions after being locked down to players who change a team's complexion. In a sport where teams are made up of various inter-locking parts, Manpreet, as an individual, one of the parts, makes it fun, the range of possibilities expanding when he is on the a sport built around teamwork, Manpreet remains one of those parts that enhances the whole. Four hundred-plus may just be another number — but the contribution behind it, isn' Watch
News18
18-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Kookaburras Mark Manpreet Singh's Landmark 400th Cap With Guard Of Honour
Last Updated: Manpreet was celebrated ahead of the game as the Australians gave the Indian a guard of honour before presenting him with an honorary jersey. Star Indian hockey player Manpreet Singh made history on Sunday with his 400th cap for the Indian national side in their FIH Pro League fixture against Australia at Antwerp, Belgium, in the European leg of the event. Manpreet was celebrated ahead of the game as the Australians gave the Indian a guard of honour before presenting him with an honorary jersey. — Kookaburras (@Kookaburras) June 15, 2025 The jersey handed to Manpreet by Australian player Eddie Ockenden, who also has over 400 international appearances for the Kookaburras, read, 'Congratulations, Manpreet. 400 Games, Incredible- From the Kookaburras." Manpreet, who was visibly moved by the gesture reflected on his illustrious career that began in Punjab. 'I still remember the goosebumps I felt in my debut game. To be standing here, 400 games later, is beyond anything I imagined," the 32-year-old said. 'This milestone is shared with every coach who pushed me, every teammate who backed me, and every fan who believed in me when I needed it most," he continued. 'I'm still learning, still growing – and I play with the same hunger today as I did at 19," the star player added. Team India ended up suffering a 2-3 defeat to the Australians who completed the double over India in Antwerp in consecutive days, condemning India to their sixth straight defeat in the European leg of the FIH Pro League. Indian had to endure a testing time in the European leg of the tournament as they went down 1-2 to the Netherlands on the 7th of June at Amstelveen before succumbing to yet another 2-3 defeat at the hands of the hosts a couple of days later. Argentina compounded India's woes with a 4-3 victory, before repeating the feat with another 2-1 win over the Men In Blue at the Wagener Hockey Stadium. First Published: June 18, 2025, 09:31 IST
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Time of India
1 dead, 2 missing, 3 rescued as vehicle falls into canal
Jaipur: A woman died, while two others are missing after a vehicle carrying six members of a family travelling to Salasar Balaji temple plunged into a canal in the Lakhuwali area of Hanumangarh Tuesday morning. Police officials said that three of the family members were rescued with the help of lcoal residents. City circle officer Meenakshi said the accident occurred as the group was on a religious trip from Sureshia village located near Hanumangarh Junction. The vehicle lost control and fell into the canal, triggering a rescue effort by passersby and villagers who used ropes to pull out the victims. Four passengers were pulled from the water and rushed to a nearby hospital in private vehicles. The group included Ramanjeet Kaur (22) Jaspreet (18) Kamaljeet Kaur (48) Lakhveer Singh (30), Manpreet and driver Gurdarshan Singh. Kamaljeet died during treatment. Manpreet and Gurdarshan Singh were swept away by the strong current and have not yet been found. Local divers and SDRF teams continued the search throughout the day. The Bolero was later recovered from the canal. The quick response from villagers and police is believed to have saved three lives.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Australia's ultimate gesture for India hockey great Manpreet Singh: Guard of honour, signed jersey on 400th appearance
When 19-year-old Manpreet Singh sprinted across the turf wearing the senior Indian team jersey for the first time in 2011, Indian hockey was in its best health. Fourteen years later, the team has gone through multiple transitions and has vastly improved, winning back-to-back Olympic bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. At the helm of it all was Manpreet, towering through the midfield region. June 15, 2015, marked another red letter in the illustrious career of Manpreet Singh. He became only the second Indian to play 400 international matches in the FIH Pro League match against Australia in Antwerp, Belgium. His biggest reward? The respect shown to him by the Australian players, who lined up along with the Indian players and gave Manpreet a Guard of Honour as he made his way off the pitch with a big smile. Generally, a guard of honour is given to an athlete playing his last match but Australia decided to bestow the honour on Manpreet on his 400th appearance. Australian midfielder Eddie Ockenden, a proud member of the 400 club, which has only eight members, including Manpreet, also presented him with a signed Australian jersey. Hailing from Mithapur, Punjab, a region deeply embedded in Indian hockey folklore, 33-year-old Manpreet Singh has been the heartbeat of India's midfield for over a decade. Over the course of his illustrious career, Manpreet has helped India clinch multiple major titles, including: 4 Asian Champions Trophy gold medals (2013, 2018, 2023, 2024) 2 Asian Games gold medals (2014, 2023) 2 Olympic bronze medals (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) 2 Commonwealth Games silver medals (2014, 2022) Podium finishes in the FIH World League (2014–15, 2016–17) and Hockey Champions Trophy (2018) He has also been the recipient of numerous individual accolades, including the Arjuna Award (2018), FIH Men's Player of the Year (2019), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021), among others. Speaking on the achievement, an emotional Manpreet said: 'I still remember the goosebumps I felt in my debut game. To be standing here, 400 games later, is beyond anything I imagined. This milestone is shared with every coach who pushed me, every teammate who backed me, and every fan who believed in me when I needed it most. I'm still learning, still growing — and I play with the same hunger today as I did at 19.' Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, who himself holds the national record for the most international appearances, lauded Manpreet's consistency and dedication: 'Very few athletes achieve this level of endurance. Manpreet has been the spine of Indian hockey through its most transformative decade. His fitness, leadership, and composure under pressure set him apart. We are proud to see him carry forward the legacy with such grace.' Manpreet's milestone day, however, did not change India's fortunes in the FIH Pro League as they went down 2-3. It was goals by Tim Brand (4'), Blake Govers (5') and Cooper Burns (18') that set up the victory for Australia, while Sanjay (3') and Dilpreet Singh (36') scored for India.
Metro
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Killer John twist in early Emmerdale ITVX streaming release as he seeks help
The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn't aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX. John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) isn't coping in Emmerdale and tonight, he tried to get some help. The complex character is struggling as a result of trying to keep a number of secrets hidden. The most prominent one on his mind at the moment is Nate Robinson's (Jurell Carter) murder. John is attempting to support the likes of Tracy Shankley (Amy Walsh) and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) as the investigation continues, all while trying to ensure the police don't grow suspicious of him. On top of this, John is also hiding the fact he has orchestrated a variety of dangerous situations involving other residents in the village, just so he could swoop in and save them. In tonight's episode, it became apparent that John hadn't slept very well again. His yawning was picked up on by Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker), who insisted John should have a chat with her over lunch. John told Manpreet that he's terribly stressed at the moment, and is also receiving texts from Tracy all the time. Tracy noted a few days ago that John is the only person who seems to be supporting her at the moment, but she doesn't know her constant messaging is making his guilt increase. Manpreet told John that Tracy should consider speaking to someone, to take the pressure off him a little. She handed him a leaflet for a company called Guardians, which is essentially the Emmerdale equivalent of Samaritans. More Trending At the flat though, John rang the number and a volunteer picked up. He started talking about feeling overwhelmed, and said that he keeps having one particular nightmare. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! The volunteer encouraged John to open up further, and he ended up revealing that his nightmare sees him trapped in a massive house with loads of rooms. Whenever he tries to leave, he enters a room with a puzzle that he needs to solve. The character started to struggle more as the call went on, and he ended up cutting it off. Heading through to the kitchen, John made a discovery about Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller), and it's most certainly going to increase his stress levels in the coming days. View More » MORE: Aaron riddled with guilt in Emmerdale as he receives big news about Robert MORE: All 26 Emmerdale spoiler pictures for next week as huge comeback is confirmed MORE: Emmerdale pulled from TV schedules amid dead body story
