For now, I want to play till the Asian Games: Manpreet

At the eighth annual Hockey India awards here on Friday, Manpreet Singh was feted for reaching 400 international caps. The recognition comes at a time when an impending milestone has appeared to be a millstone around his neck. The midfielder is currently on 411 caps, one shy of equalling Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey’s record of 412 appearances – the most by an Indian.

Manpreet could have already held that distinction if he had been picked in India’s core probables for the FIH Pro League matches in Rourkela and Hobart in February. However, he was omitted, triggering conspiracy theories about Tirkey not wanting the 33-year-old to surpass his mark. Reports, then, emerged of Manpreet being pulled up for a disciplinary breach on a tour of South Africa in December even as coach Craig Fulton cited workload as the reason for the senior pro’s exclusion.

Nevertheless, the midfielder is targeting a comeback ahead of the FIH World Cup and Asian Games this year. The World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, followed by the continental meet in Japan between September 19 and October 4.

“For now, I want to play till the Asian Games this year. That is the target. I am focusing a lot on my fitness,” Manpreet said on Friday.

Asked whether the 2028 LA Olympics is also on his radar, he stated: “Yes. But first, the Asian Games is very important. It is better to go year by year for me. As an athlete, you don’t know about injuries. If I am fit enough, I will continue.”

Attempting to clear the air over his recent omission, he added: “This was the period where I could get some rest. I personally spoke to Dilip Tirkey sir. He wants me to break his record. There is nothing between us. He wants me to play for as long as possible.”