Manpreet Singh Biography
Indian men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh created history as he has won the FIH Player of the Year award and became the first Indian to win the award. Manpreet is the first Indian to receive the award since its inception in 1999. Manpreet pipped world champions Viktor Wagenz and Arthur Van Doren of Belgium, Aran Zalewski of Australia and Lucas Villa of Argentina to win the award. The Indian skipper got the highest 35.2 percent votes.
Manpreet completed his 250 international matches for India during the FIH Men’s Hockey Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in June last year. Under his captaincy, India defeated South Africa in the final. At the same time, in November last year, under Manpreet’s captaincy, India secured a ticket for the Tokyo Olympics after defeating Russia in the FIH Olympic qualifiers.
Manpreet, who had represented India at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, dedicated the award to his teammates, saying without their support it wouldn’t have been possible.
The Indian skipper said, “I am truly honoured to win this award and I would like to dedicate this to my team. I also thank my well-wishers and hockey fans from around the world for voting in my favour. It is truly humbling to see so much support for Indian hockey.”
Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad also congratulated Manpreet.
“He has matured over the years as a player and has proved his importance in the team. He has led India to important victories,”he said.
Manpreet is the fourth Indian hockey player to receive an international award in recent times. Earlier, Rani Rampal, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, was also awarded the World Games Athlete of the Year. Also, young strikers Vivek Sagar and Lalremsiami were also named as the 2019 FIH Men’s and Women’s Rising Star of the Year by the International Hockey Federation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Manpreet Singh |
| Team | Indian Men’s Hockey Team |
| Achievement | Won the FIH Player of the Year award |
| Historic Record | First Indian to win the FIH Player of the Year award since its inception in 1999 |
| Voting Percentage | 35.2% — the highest among the nominees |
| Other Nominees | Viktor Wagenz, Arthur Van Doren, Aran Zalewski and Lucas Villa |
| International Matches | Completed 250 international matches for India |
| 250th Match | FIH Men’s Hockey Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, June 2019 |
| Captaincy Achievement | Led India to victory over South Africa in the final of the FIH Men’s Hockey Series Finals |
| Tokyo Olympics Qualification | Led India to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after defeating Russia in the FIH Olympic qualifiers in November 2019 |
| Olympic Appearances | Represented India at the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics |
| Award Dedication | Dedicated the award to his teammates and thanked his well-wishers and hockey fans |
| Hockey India President’s Reaction | Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad congratulated Manpreet and highlighted his maturity, importance to the team and leadership in important victories |
| Other Indian Award Winners | Rani Rampal — World Games Athlete of the Year; Vivek Sagar — 2019 FIH Men’s Rising Star of the Year; Lalremsiami — 2019 FIH Women’s Rising Star of the Year |
| Significance | Manpreet became the fourth Indian hockey player mentioned in the information to receive an international award in recent times |
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What made Manpreet Singh’s FIH Player of the Year award historic? | Manpreet Singh’s FIH Player of the Year award was historic because he became the first Indian player to win the prestigious award since its inception in 1999. His achievement marked a significant moment for Indian hockey and highlighted his individual contribution as well as his leadership of the national team. Manpreet received 35.2 percent of the votes, the highest among the nominated players. He finished ahead of Viktor Wagenz, Arthur Van Doren of Belgium, Aran Zalewski of Australia and Lucas Villa of Argentina. The award recognised Manpreet at a time when he was playing an important role for India both as a midfielder and as captain. His leadership had already been associated with important victories and qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. Manpreet himself dedicated the honour to his teammates, making it clear that he considered the award a collective achievement. He also thanked his well-wishers and hockey fans around the world for their support and votes. His victory therefore represented not only a personal milestone but also an important international recognition for Indian men’s hockey. |
| Q2. What were Manpreet Singh’s major achievements as India captain? | Manpreet Singh achieved several important milestones while leading the Indian men’s hockey team. One of the major achievements came during the FIH Men’s Hockey Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in June 2019, where he completed 250 international matches for India. Under his captaincy, India defeated South Africa in the final to secure victory in the tournament. Another major achievement came in November 2019, when India faced Russia in the FIH Olympic qualifiers. India defeated Russia under Manpreet’s leadership and secured qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. These achievements strengthened his position as an important figure in Indian hockey. Before becoming an established senior leader, Manpreet had also represented India at two Olympic Games. He played at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics, giving him significant international experience. His journey combined individual milestones, international appearances and leadership responsibilities. Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad also praised Manpreet, stating that he had matured over the years and proved his importance to the team while leading India to important victories. |
| Q3. Which other Indian hockey players received international recognition around the same period? | Manpreet Singh was not the only Indian hockey player to receive major international recognition during this period. According to the information provided, he was the fourth Indian hockey player to receive an international award in recent times. Before Manpreet’s FIH Player of the Year achievement, Rani Rampal, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, was awarded the World Games Athlete of the Year honour. Rani was recognised for her contribution and performances in international hockey. Two young Indian players also received recognition from the International Hockey Federation. Vivek Sagar was named the 2019 FIH Men’s Rising Star of the Year, while Lalremsiami was named the 2019 FIH Women’s Rising Star of the Year. These recognitions demonstrated the presence of Indian talent across both men’s and women’s hockey. Manpreet’s achievement added another major individual honour to this list. His FIH Player of the Year award was particularly significant because he became the first Indian to receive the award since its inception in 1999. Together, these achievements represented a strong period of international recognition for Indian hockey players and showcased the contribution of established leaders as well as emerging talents. |
