Manpreet Singh Adjudged ‘Junior Men Player of the Year’ by Asian Hockey Federation

New Delhi, September 1,  2014: India’s midfielder Manpreet Singh was announced the ‘Junior Men Player of the Year’ by the Asian Hockey Federation in the Congress held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 31st August 2014. Manpreet Singh belongs to a new breed of Indian Hockey who possess the Indian traditional skills as well as the speed of modern hockey.

The 22-year-old Indian midfielder has played 103 international matches and captained junior men’s team in the Hero FIH Hockey Junior Men’s World Cup 2013, New Delhi, and the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup in 2013 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Manpreet’s best moment was to win the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup 2013 under his leadership. In this prestigious tournament, India’s junior team displayed their high-level hockey skills and defeated England, Argentina, Pakistan and South Korea. In the final match, India thrashed host Malaysia 3-0 and clinched the Gold Medal.

Manpreet made his international debut in 2011 and since then, he has been a regular member of the Indian team. The Jalandhar-lad was also a part of the Silver medal winning Indian team at the XX Commonwealth Games 2014 in Scotland and represented India at the FIH Men’s World Cup 2014 (Netherlands), Hero FIH Hockey World League Final 2014 (India), FIH Hockey World League Semi-final 2013 (Netherlands), FIH Hockey World League Round 2, 2013 (India), Men’s Asia Cup 2013 (Malaysia), FIH Champions Trophy 2012 (Australia), Asian Champions Trophy 2012 (Qatar), Olympic Games 2014 (London) and FIH Champions Challenge 2011 (South Africa).

At present, Manpreet is a part of senior men’s core probable team for the 2014 Asian Games.

On his special achievement, Hockey India, Secretary General Dr Narinder Batra said: “I congratulate Manpreet for this special achievement, and this also shows the potential of young Indian hockey players. Manpreet works very hard and has proved himself at all age-groups and competitions. Apart from a skillful midfielder, he also has the leadership qualities to motivate other players to fight till the final whistle. This announcement is a great achievement for Indian hockey.”

HI Press release