HOCKEY | Milestone man Manpreet in no mood to slow down

Having crossed the milestone of 413 international matches and becoming the highest-capped Indian hockey player, Manpreet Singh is in no mood to slow down.

With his landmark coming in India’s first Pro League victory of the season against reigning world champion Germany on Wednesday, the Indian midfielder is now eyeing the Asian Games and the upcoming World Cup to further burnish his credentials as one of the fittest players in world hockey.

“This year is very important for us. The Pro league matches are already on and playing England and Pakistan will be very useful because they are in our group in the World Cup, for which we will be back here next month,” Manpreet said during an interaction with select media on Thursday.

“England has been doing well so those games will be important. Then there will be Asian Games soon after which is the ticket to LA Olympics.

“As for fitness, there is no alternative. World hockey today is at a level where if you are not at peak fitness all the time, you cannot survive.

“With age, I know I have to work extra hard to keep up with everyone else and I have worked a lot on my fitness over the years because if I don’t I won’t be able to remain in the team.

“It’s really that simple and something the coach has also repeatedly made clear — your fitness levels will decide your spot in the side,” he added.

There had been a lot of talk around the milestone in the last few months but Manpreet insisted it did not matter. “My focus has always been on maintaining my fitness. It is a big honour, playing 413 matches over 15 years, and I am proud of it but it doesn’t change anything on field.

“The number of caps or captain’s band doesn’t really matter. My focus has always been on how to improve as a team and I will continue doing that. It doesn’t mean I stop listening to others,” he declared.