Kakamigahara, 01 October (H.S.): Indian men’s hockey team forward Mandeep Singh reached a major career milestone on Thursday, completing 300 senior international appearances during India’s Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Pakistan in Kakamigahara, Japan.

The 31-year-old made his senior India debut in 2013 at the age of 18 after impressing as a centre-forward in the Hockey India League. Since then, he has represented the country at several major international tournaments and played an important role in India’s successes on the global and continental stage.

One of the early highlights of Mandeep’s international career came in 2016, when he was part of the Indian team that won the Junior World Cup. His career has subsequently included appearances at the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions, along with a number of medals.

Mandeep was part of the Indian team that won back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. At the Asian Games, he played a role in India’s gold-medal-winning campaign at Hangzhou in 2023 and was also part of the team that secured bronze at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

His medal collection also includes a silver medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and silver medals at the 2016 and 2018 Champions Trophy. At the continental level, he won gold at the 2025 Asia Cup and silver in the 2013 edition. He was also part of the Indian teams that won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018 and 2023.

In recognition of his contribution to Indian sport, Mandeep was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2021.

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey congratulated Mandeep on the landmark achievement, describing 300 senior international appearances as a significant milestone and a testament to his dedication to Indian hockey.

“Completing 300 senior international matches is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Mandeep’s dedication to Indian hockey. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate him on this special milestone and wish him continued success in the Indian jersey, along with many more memorable moments,” Tirkey said.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also congratulated Mandeep, calling the milestone another significant achievement in a career spanning more than a decade.

“Completing 300 senior international matches is another important milestone in a career spanning more than a decade. He has been an integral part of India’s journey across several major international competitions and has always carried the responsibility of representing the country with pride. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Mandeep and wish him many more successful years in international hockey,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar