Four-time Olympian Manpreet Singh Mithapur determined to make history with a fifth Olympic appearance

By Jagroop Singh Jarkhar

In the glorious history of Indian hockey, certain players have carved out a special identity through their extraordinary talent, hard work, dedication and commitment to the game. One such remarkable personality is four-time Olympian and former captain of the Indian men's hockey team, Manpreet Singh Mithapur, who hails from the hockey-loving state of Punjab.

Even after representing India at four Olympic Games, Manpreet's determination remains stronger than ever. His eyes are now firmly set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the United States.

Before Manpreet Singh, only four Indian hockey players had achieved the distinction of participating in four Olympic Games. They were Sardar Udham Singh Kular of Sansarpur, legendary hockey player Leslie Claudius, former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay and celebrated goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh.

If Manpreet succeeds in securing a place in the Indian team for the 2028 Olympics, he will become the first Indian hockey player to represent the country at five Olympic Games, creating a historic milestone in Indian hockey.

His ambition, however, goes beyond making another Olympic appearance. His ultimate dream is to help India win the Olympic gold medal and write a golden chapter in the history of Indian hockey.

FROM THE LANES OF MITHAPUR TO THE OLYMPIC ARENA

Mithapur village in Jalandhar district of Punjab is widely recognised as one of India's most celebrated hockey nurseries. The village has produced several international hockey players and Olympic stars who have brought immense pride to the country.

Born on June 26, 1992, Manpreet Singh grew up in this hockey-rich environment. His passion for the game, dedication and determination helped him earn a place in the Indian senior hockey team in 2011 at the young age of 19.

Playing as a midfielder, he quickly established himself as one of the most dependable players in the national team.

His exceptional qualities include quick decision-making, excellent ball control, defensive strength, creating scoring opportunities for teammates and maintaining team coordination under pressure.

Over the years, Manpreet has developed into a complete midfielder and an inspirational leader.

FOUR OLYMPIC APPEARANCES AND TWO HISTORIC BRONZE MEDALS

Manpreet Singh has represented India at four Olympic Games:

1. London Olympics – 2012.
2. Rio de Janeiro Olympics – 2016.
3. Tokyo Olympics – 2020.
4. Paris Olympics – 2024.

The Tokyo Olympics proved to be the most memorable chapter of his sporting career.

Under his captaincy, the Indian men's hockey team created history by winning an Olympic medal after a gap of 41 years. India defeated Germany 5–4 in a thrilling bronze-medal match, bringing back the glory of Indian hockey on the Olympic stage.

This historic victory gave a new direction and confidence to Indian hockey.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet also received the prestigious honour of being the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent, adding another significant achievement to his sporting career.

The Indian team continued its impressive performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, winning another bronze medal. Manpreet was once again an important member of the medal-winning squad.

Winning two consecutive Olympic bronze medals is among the greatest achievements of his career.

THREE ASIAN GAMES GOLD MEDALS

Manpreet's achievements are not limited to the Olympic Games. He has also played a significant role in India's success at the Asian Games.

India won the gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, followed by a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

At the Hangzhou Asian Games, held in 2023, India once again won the gold medal.

The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, brought another historic achievement. India defeated Malaysia 5–1 in the final to successfully defend its men's hockey title.

Manpreet Singh was part of this gold-medal-winning team and achieved the distinction of winning his third Asian Games gold medal, becoming the only Indian men's hockey player to achieve this feat.

He has also been an important member of India's successful Asian Champions Trophy campaigns, with title victories in 2013, 2018, 2023 and 2024.

His achievements further include silver medals at the 2014 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A NEW RECORD IN INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY

One of Manpreet Singh's most remarkable achievements is his extraordinary longevity and consistency in international hockey.

On June 17, 2026, Hockey India announced that Manpreet had created history by becoming India's most-capped men's international hockey player.

He achieved this remarkable milestone with his 413th international appearance, surpassing the previous record of 412 matches held by former Indian captain and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey.

This achievement reflects his outstanding fitness, discipline, dedication and ability to perform consistently at the highest level for more than a decade and a half.

HONOURED WITH PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Manpreet Singh's contribution to Indian hockey has been recognised through several prestigious awards.

His major honours include:

- Hockey India Midfielder of the Year – 2014 and 2021.
- Arjuna Award – 2018.
- FIH Player of the Year – 2019.
- Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year Award – 2019.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – 2021.

These honours are a recognition of his exceptional playing abilities, leadership qualities and immense contribution to Indian hockey.

SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE IN PUNJAB POLICE, BUT HOCKEY REMAINS HIS PASSION

Manpreet Singh currently holds the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) in Punjab Police.

While fulfilling his responsibilities as a senior police officer, his love and commitment towards hockey remain an inseparable part of his life.

For Manpreet, hockey is not merely a sport. It represents national pride, dedication and an opportunity to carry forward Punjab's rich sporting heritage.

Even after achieving so much in his career, his determination to play a fifth Olympic Games reflects the spirit of a true sportsperson who never stops chasing his dreams.

LOS ANGELES 2028 – AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE HISTORY

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represent the next major destination in Manpreet Singh's remarkable sporting journey.

If he maintains his fitness, continues to perform at the highest level and earns selection, he will have the opportunity to become the first Indian hockey player to participate in five Olympic Games.

His biggest ambition is to help India win the Olympic gold medal.

India last won the men's Olympic hockey gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Since then, generations of Indian hockey lovers have been waiting to see the national team return to the top of the Olympic podium.

With his immense international experience, leadership qualities and understanding of the game, Manpreet could prove to be an invaluable asset to the Indian team.

His experience would also be a tremendous source of inspiration and guidance for young hockey players.

A DREAM TO BE REMEMBERED LIKE MAJOR DHYAN CHAND

The legendary Major Dhyan Chand earned an immortal place in world hockey through his extraordinary contribution to the game. His name continues to inspire generations of hockey players.

Manpreet Singh also dreams of creating a legacy through his achievements and future ambitions that will be remembered by generations to come.

Four Olympic appearances, two Olympic bronze medals, three Asian Games gold medals, several international titles and the remarkable record of 413 international appearances have already made his sporting journey exceptional.

But perhaps the most exciting chapter of his career is still waiting to be written.

If Manpreet represents India for the fifth time at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and helps the country win the gold medal, it would be an extraordinary achievement, not only for him personally but also for the entire Indian hockey fraternity.

His journey is a story of determination, discipline, courage, consistency and an unbreakable passion for hockey.

The son of Mithapur is not ready to stop. His ambitions remain high, his determination remains firm and his ultimate dream is to see the Indian Tricolour flying proudly at the top of the Olympic hockey podium.

Manpreet Singh Mithapur is determined to write a new golden chapter in the history of Indian hockey.

(Jagroop Singh Jarkhar is a Sports Writer)