Inside the Life of Hockey Star Manpreet Singh: A Journey Beyond the Field

Hockey India’s 'Hockey Te Charcha, Familia' reveals the life of star midfielder Manpreet Singh. His wife, Illi Saddique, highlights his career highs and lows, their family life, and his dedication following his father’s passing. The Indian Men's Hockey Team’s aspirations for Paris 2024 are also discussed.

In the latest episode of 'Hockey Te Charcha, Familia' - a series launched by Hockey India before the Olympic Games, Manpreet Singh's wife Illi Saddique uncovers the life of the celebrated midfielder. With 370 appearances for India, Singh is a veteran. Illi, head of the South Asia market for a Malaysian university, and mother to their daughter, Jasmine Kaur Powar, delves into his career's highs and lows. Last year, Singh played a key role in the Indian men's hockey team's gold win at the Hangzhou Asian Games, securing an automatic spot for the Paris Olympics, marking his fourth appearance.

'We are delighted and proud to see him play his fourth Olympics,' Illi said, 'The journey from his first game to his fourth Olympics is something we hadn't imagined. He loves playing for the nation.' Singh lost his father while playing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2016. 'I was in Indonesia when we broke the news to Manpreet; he was devastated but decided to return to the team, knowing it's what his father wanted,' Illi revealed.

Illi recounted how Singh, without shedding a tear, resolved to make his father proud and returned to play against Canada, a game India won 3-1. Over the past decade, Singh has been pivotal in India's hockey success, including the 2014 Asian Games Gold and a historic bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Illi was back in Malaysia during that time due to COVID, and pregnant. 'No one knew I was pregnant, and everyone thought it was a lucky charm when they found out post-win. That bronze medal under his captaincy was a proud moment for us,' she added.

The Indian Men's Hockey Team, gearing up for Paris 2024, aims to elevate their performance. 'We look forward to the Olympics, and I hope to see the medal change colours,' Illi signed off.

(With inputs from agencies.)