Overview
- Manpreet said Friday at Hockey India’s annual awards in New Delhi that Tirkey personally urged him to keep playing and even target 500 appearances.
- The veteran midfielder stands on 411 international caps, leaving him two matches short of Tirkey’s Indian men’s record of 412.
- He emphasized that selection is the staff’s call under head coach Craig Fulton, who prioritizes players who meet strict fitness standards.
- Tirkey dismissed claims he protected his own tally, saying he never sought to stop Manpreet and would be happy to see the record fall.
- Manpreet is training for the Asian Games and the FIH World Cup this year, as reports also highlight his two Olympic bronzes and Hockey India’s plan to bring through younger players for Los Angeles 2028.