Manpreet Singh, India's two-time Olympic medal-winning hockey player, has become only the second Indian to earn 400 international caps during the FIH Pro League match against Australia in Antwerp, Belgium, last weekend. On his special day, the Australian players gave him a surprise by lining up along with the Indian players to give him a Guard of Honour as Manpreet completed his 400th appearance for India.

As Manpreet, who was an integral part of India's medal-winning team in the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, joined the 400 club, Australian midfielder Eddie Ockenden, who has played over 450 matches, welcomed the Indian to the exclusive group with a signed Australian jersey after the match that ended in a 2-3 defeat for India.

Speaking on the achievement, an emotional Manpreet, who hails from Mithapur, Punjab, 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.”

Among the Indians, the 32-year-old is now behind only former captain and current Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey (412 caps).

Since his debut in 2011 as a wily 19-year-old, Manpreet has established himself as the heart of the Indian midfield. His career mirrors the transformation of Indian hockey — from being a depleted sport to a promising medal hauler at international competitions. Manpreet was the captain of the Indian team when India ended a 41-year wait for an Olympic medal in hockey in Tokyo by winning the bronze medal with a historic 5-4 victory against Germany.

Besides the two Olympic medals, Manpreet was also part of the Indian team that has emerged as the dominant force in Asian hockey, winning back-to-back Asian Champions Trophy golds in 2023 and 2024. He was at the forefront of India reclaiming their revered place in the Asian Games by winning the gold medal in Hangzhou, China, in 2023 for the first time since 2014.