India vs Germany: On Wednesday at Rotterdam, the Indian men’s hockey team caused a major upset by defeating the World No. 1 Germany 3-1 in their FIH Pro League season opener. That win was a big deal for India as they had been going nine games in the league without a win. Plus, the game was historic for Manpreet Singh who made his 413th international appearance and broke Dilip Tirkey’s record for most appearances for India.
FIH Pro League: India defeats Germany; Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Nilakanta Sharma score goals
India secured the victory with goals from Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Nilakanta Sharma. India played very much better than in their last match, a 3-2 defeat against the Netherlands two days ago. The Indian team displayed lightning-fast ball circulation, kept holding a solid defensive structure, and capitalized on the mistakes made by a surprisingly reckless German team.
FIH Pro League: India still on eighth place
By having seven points from ten matches, India remains in eighth position on the table, so their win doesn’t really help them with their ranking. Spain with eight points is one place higher than India, whereas Pakistan remains the only team that has not registered a single win this season since they have lost all their matches. India will be playing the second half of their game with Germany on Thursday after which they are scheduled to face the Netherlands on Sunday. India will close their Pro League season next week by playing two games against Pakistan and England.
FIH Pro League: Manpreet Singh creates becoming most capped Indian player
No Indian player has ever accomplished what Manpreet Singh, one of the greatest servants of the game in the modern period, has. The midfield maestro was named India’s most capped hockey player after playing his 413th match, cementing his place in the annals of the sport. Manpreet surpassed Dilip Tirkey, who is presently the President of Hockey India, with 412 international appearances to his name in an illustrious career. Manpreet crossed the mark on Wednesday in Rotterdam during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2025/26 match against Germany. Hockey India congratulated Manpreet on the outstanding accomplishment and announced that the great playmaker would receive a financial incentive of ₹10 lakh.
Manpreet has been the lifeblood of Indian hockey for almost 15 years. He is the unrelenting midfield engine, the leader under duress, and the epitome of consistency at the top level. He has been at the heart of India’s comeback on the international scene since making his senior debut in 2011 as a fearless 19-year-old, contributing to the development of one of the most prosperous periods in the nation’s contemporary hockey history.
