Manpreet Singh equals Dilip Tirkey's India record as caps controversy ends

Manpreet Singh matched Dilip Tirkey's Indian record of 412 international caps against the Netherlands in Rotterdam. The appearance ends months of speculation over whether he would be stopped from surpassing the mark.

In Short

• The midfielder joins an exclusive bracket as India's only active 400-cap player
• He remains central to the side after leading India to Tokyo bronze
• Tirkey publicly backed Manpreet and said he hoped for many more matches

Manpreet Singh has equalled the Indian record of 412 international caps of former India captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey as he took the field during the FIH Pro League game against the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday, June 14. This finally puts an end to the chatter around suggestions that the midfielder will be held back from breaking Tirkey's record earlier in the year.

Manpreet is the only active player currently in the club of stars with 400-plus international appearances. He played a key role as captain and guided India to the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite his age, the midfielder remains a vital cog in the Indian team.

Tirkey congratulated Manpreet on 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 the very best for the matches ahead and hope to see him play on many more occasions. We are grateful for his continued contributions to Indian hockey,” said Tirkey in a statement from Hockey India.

It was reported in January that Manpreet could be on the chopping block this year, as there were rumours that he won't be considered for the national team in a crucial year.

India will be playing in the World Cup and the Asian Games. There were suggestions that coach Craig Fulton was ready to walk away from his role due to the interference from HI.

However, Manpreet somewhat put a rest to the allegations when he told the media during the Hockey India awards that Tirkey had given his blessings to him to go and break the record.

“A lot of things happened. I have spoken to Dilip sir personally as well. He told me he does not have any 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 that he would be very happy if I break the record,” Manpreet said.

India will be playing Netherlands and Germany twice each during their Rotterdam leg of the Pro League. They will be facing Germany on June 17 and 18, which will present Manpreet with a chance to go past Tirkey and break the record.

- Ends