Rajgir (Bihar) [India]: Hockey India on Thursday congratulated skipper Harmanpreet Singh, the renowned drag-flick specialist, for completing 250 international caps during India’s Super 4s clash against Malaysia at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.
Thrilled to reach this milestone in front of a home crowd, Harmanpreet received his 250th jersey from team Chief Coach Craig Fulton earlier in the day. Speaking to Hockey India, he said, “This is a very special and emotional moment for me. I have received immense love from hockey fans throughout my career, and I am grateful for all their support.”
Reflecting on his journey, Harmanpreet added, “The last few years have been extraordinary—not only because we secured back-to-back Olympic medals but also because my daughter has joined me for some matches, cheering me on. It has been a truly memorable journey, and I hope to continue contributing to the legacy of Indian hockey.” His milestone was celebrated with roaring applause from spectators at the Rajgir Sports Complex.
Harmanpreet Singh made his international debut in 2015 and has been a cornerstone of India’s defense ever since. That year, he won gold with the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team at the Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia and later at the 2016 Junior World Cup. He followed this with a silver medal at the 2016 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in London.
In 2017, he clinched gold at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Dhaka and helped India secure third place at the 2016-17 FIH Hockey World League. The following year, he added silver at the Champions Trophy in Breda, bronze at the Asian Games in Jakarta, and gold at the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat.
Harmanpreet was part of the Indian team that finished eighth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and captained India to a historic double Olympic bronze in Paris 2024. He also contributed to India’s Asian Games gold in 2023 and led the team to victory at the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai earlier that year.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey congratulated Harmanpreet, saying, “Playing for India is an honour, and earning 250 caps is a monumental achievement. Completing this milestone at home in such a crucial tournament is remarkable. I hope he continues to inspire the next generation.”
Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “Harmanpreet is a pride of India. Very few players have reached 250 international caps, and it is a testament to his dedication and commitment to give his absolute best for the country.”
