With over 400 international caps, Manpreet Singh has etched his name in Indian hockey history, becoming only the 2nd player to reach this milestone.
From Jalandhar’s local fields to the global stage, Manpreet’s journey is a story of dedication, resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence; an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
In this blog, let’s talk about the man who led India to multiple medals, including an Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2021.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
If you think champions are born overnight, Manpreet Singh’s story will make you rethink that.
Born on June 26, 1992, in Jalandhar, Punjab, he grew up in a family that valued hard work and discipline.
You can imagine a young boy running across local fields, hockey stick in hand, dreaming big while learning life lessons the hard way.
Manpreet’s love for hockey didn’t just appear; it was nurtured by his family and the vibrant hockey culture in Punjab. However, his mother wasn’t convinced at first.
Manpreet’s first prize money was ₹500, which he got for winning a hockey match. Seeing the potential, his mother allowed his son to continue chasing the dream.
By the time he was a teenager, your eyes would notice his precision, vision and drive, qualities that set him apart.
In 2005, Manpreet joined the Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar, renowned as India’s best hockey institute.
Little did anyone know that this dedication would soon earn him a place on India's national team.
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Career Trajectory: Rise to Captaincy
2011 Debut and Shortcomings
Imagine stepping onto the field as a teenager, representing your country and carrying the hopes of millions. That’s exactly what he did.
In 2011, Manpreet Singh debuted on the international stage at just 19 years of age. The pressure was immense, but Manpreet thrived.
He showcased exceptional vision, precise passing and a calm demeanour under pressure: traits that would become his signature throughout his career.
If you think Manpreet’s journey was miraculous and easy, you will be wrong. Shortly after he debuted, the Indian hockey team faced shortcomings.
The 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup both turned out to be major setbacks, with India finishing 5th in Pool A.
However, not all things were bleak. The Indian Hockey Team, with Manpreet, did not lose hope. The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games were the comeback.
Manpreet Singh scored 1 goal, among the 5 total goals scored in the match. India finished second in Pool A of the preliminary round, a sharp turn from the World Cup.
Rise to Captaincy
In 2017, Manpreet’s life completely changed. Although he was the youngest in his team, he showed what others lacked: leadership.
Following PR Sreejesh’s (then captain) injury, Manpreet was declared the acting captain. Under his captaincy, India scored a Bronze medal in the 2017 Asia Cup. This solidified him as the captain of the Indian Hockey Team!
Major Tournaments of Manpreet Singh
Manpreet is not an ordinary player; he is an all-rounder. His contributions in major events have defined his career and inspired fans across India.
Let’s take a quick look at his career milestones:
| Tournaments | Place | Year | Achievement |
| Asian Champion Trophy | China | 2013 | Gold Medal |
| Japan | 2013 | 5th position | |
| Oman | 2018 | Gold Medal | |
| Dhaka | 2021 | Bronze Medal | |
| Chennai | 2023 | Gold medal | |
| China | 2024 | Gold Medal | |
| Olympics | London | 2012 | 12th Position |
| Rio de Janeiro | 2016 | 8th Position | |
| Tokyo | 2020 | Bronze Medal | |
| Paris | 2024 | Bronze Medal | |
| Commonwealth Games | Scotland | 2014 | Silver Medal |
| Australia | 2018 | 4th Position | |
| England | 2022 | Silver Medal |
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Manpreet Singh Net Worth and Income Source
Manpreet Singh’s official net worth is not publicly available. However, experts speculate that the estimated value could be ₹701.02 crore to ₹876.28 crore ($8-$10 million).
Let’s see what contributes to this massive wealth:
- National Team Salary: Manpreet has been an Indian regular since 2011, representing the country in the Olympics, World Cups and Asian Games. Every tournament adds value to his professional standing.
- Departmental Backing: He plays for the Punjab Armed Police / Hockey Punjab, a system that ensures both financial security and consistent support.
- Hockey India League Contracts: He has also been part of professional franchise setups like the Hockey India League, which gave players a taste of big-league contracts.
- Brand Deals: In 2018, Adidas chose Manpreet Singh to endorse their brand in India. And with the historic 2020 Tokyo Olympic win, the hockey legend has seen a 3x growth in brand value.
Note: The net worth is converted from USD to INR based on the 28th August’s exchange rate. The numbers are subject to change.
The Inspiration Named Manpreet Singh: Lessons to Learn
1. Start Small, Dream Big
Born in Mithapur, a village near Jalandhar, Manpreet’s hockey dream began on dusty fields with a borrowed stick.
Today, with 402 international caps and 22 goals, he proves that your beginnings never limit your finish.
2. Discipline Over Talent
Manpreet wasn’t just gifted; he was relentless. Long training hours, fitness drills and strict routines shaped him into India’s midfield engine. His story reminds you that discipline often beats raw talent in the long run.
3. Rising After Setbacks
Losses, missed chances and tough defeats never broke him! Instead, he bounced back stronger. For you, the lesson is clear: failure isn’t the end, it’s practice for the next big win.
4. Leading From the Front
From being the youngest in the squad to captaining India at the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet showed that leadership isn’t about age, but responsibility. He earned respect through hard work, not just titles.
5. Hungry, Yet Humble
Despite countless accolades, Manpreet says, “I play with the same hunger I had at 19”. His humility and drive prove that greatness is staying grounded while aiming higher.
Manpreet Singh Achievements
Needless to say, his immense contribution towards Indian hockey has earned him various awards. Let’s take a peek at his trophy section below:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021
- Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder Of The Year in 2014, 2021
- Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award For Player Of The Year (Men) in 2019
- FIH Best Player of the Year in 2019
- Arjuna Award in 2018
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Final Thoughts
Manpreet Singh’s success story isn’t just about medals or milestones; it’s about grit, discipline and resilience.
From humble beginnings in Jalandhar to leading India on the world stage, he’s proven that determination can rewrite destiny.
His journey teaches young athletes that setbacks are stepping stones, leadership is earned, and hunger for improvement never fades.
Whether captaining India or inspiring millions, Manpreet embodies what it means to be a true game-changer.
For every aspiring sportsperson, his story is a reminder: greatness isn’t born overnight, it’s built every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Manpreet Singh from?
Manpreet Singh hails from Mithapur, a small village near Jalandhar in Punjab, India.
2. What are the achievements of Manpreet Singh?
He captained India to a historic Tokyo 2021 Olympic Bronze and is also a recipient of the Khel Ratna award.
3. Who is the wife of Manpreet Singh, the hockey player?
Manpreet Singh is married to Malaysian entrepreneur and model Illi Najwa Saddique.
4. Did Manpreet Singh win the Olympics 2024?
No, India did not win at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but Manpreet remains central to India’s hockey campaign. At that time, India won the silver medal.
5. Is Manpreet Singh the captain of the Indian Hockey Team?
He led India at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. As of 2024, he is no longer the regular captain but continues to be a senior pillar in the team.
