Prior to the match, Manpreet was honoured by the Australians, who presented him with an honorary jersey and a guard of honour.
In Sunday’s European leg of the FIH Pro League match against Australia in Antwerp, Belgium, star Indian hockey player Manpreet Singh achieved history by earning his 400th cap for the Indian national team.
Prior to the match, Manpreet was honoured by the Australians, who presented him with an honorary jersey and a guard of honour.
Congrats to India's Manpreet Singh on bringing up his 400th cap in our game today, joining Eddie in one of hockey's most exclusive clubs 👏 pic.twitter.com/XH3VikwzDk
— Kookaburras (@Kookaburras) June 15, 2025
Eddie Ockenden, an Australian player with almost 400 international appearances for the Kookaburras, gave Manpreet the jersey, which said, “Congratulations, Manpreet.” “400 Amazing Games—From the Kookaburras”
Manpreet, who was clearly touched by the gift, thought back on his remarkable career, which started in Punjab.
“I can still clearly recall the chills I got during my first game. It is more than I could have ever dreamed to be standing here 400 games later,” the 32-year-old remarked.
He went on, “I share this milestone with every coach who encouraged me, every teammate who supported me, and every fan who had faith in me when I needed it most.”
The ace player said, “I play with the same hunger today as I did at 19—I’m still learning and growing.”
India suffered their sixth consecutive defeat in the European portion of the FIH Pro League after losing 2-3 to the Australians, who won the double over India in Antwerp in back-to-back days.
In the European leg of the competition, Indian had to make it through a difficult period after losing 1-2 to the Netherlands at Amstelveen on June 7th and then losing again 2-3 to the hosts a few days later. After adding to India’s problems with a 4-3 victory, Argentina defeated the Men in Blue again with a 2-1 triumph at the Wagener Hockey Stadium.
