In a heartwarming display of respect and camaraderie, the Australian men's hockey team, the Kookaburras, honored Indian hockey legend Manpreet Singh on achieving his 400th international cap. The Kookaburras presented Manpreet Singh with a guard of honor during their FIH Pro League match in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday, June 15, 2025. This gesture underscored the immense respect Manpreet has garnered throughout his illustrious career.

The Kookaburras lined up alongside the Indian players to give Manpreet Singh a Guard of Honour as he made his way to the ground for his 400th appearance for India. Eddie Ockenden, a fellow member of the exclusive "400 club," presented Manpreet with a signed Australian jersey, further solidifying the bond between the two teams and acknowledging Manpreet's significant contribution to the sport.

Manpreet Singh is only the second Indian to reach this milestone, following Dilip Tirkey, the former captain and current President of Hockey India, who has 412 caps. He is also the eighth player overall in men's international hockey to reach the 400-cap mark.

Manpreet's journey began in 2011 when he debuted for the Indian team as a spirited 19-year-old. Since then, he has become an indispensable part of the Indian midfield, leading the team through a period of resurgence in the sport. Manpreet captained the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a four-decade-long wait for an Olympic podium finish. He was also a part of the team that secured another bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Speaking about his milestone, Manpreet expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey. "I still remember the goosebumps I felt in my debut game. To be standing here, 400 games later, is beyond anything I imagined," he said. "This milestone is shared with every coach who pushed me, every teammate who backed me, and every fan who believed in me when I needed it most. I'm still learning, still growing – and I play with the same hunger today as I did at 19."

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Manpreet's achievement, stating, "Very few athletes achieve this level of consistency and endurance. Manpreet has been the spine of Indian hockey through its most transformative decade. His fitness, leadership, and composure under pressure set him apart. We are proud to see him carry forward the legacy with such grace."

Manpreet's accolades include the Arjuna Award (2018), FIH Men's Player of the Year (2019), and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021). He has also contributed to India's success in numerous major tournaments, including the Asian Champions Trophy and Asian Games.

Despite the celebratory occasion, the match against Australia resulted in a 2-3 defeat for India, marking their sixth consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League. Nevertheless, Manpreet Singh's 400th cap remains a significant moment of pride and recognition for his outstanding career and contribution to Indian hockey.