Manpreet Singh
Manpreet Singh is an Indian field hockey player and the current captain of the Indian national team. He was born on June 26, 1992, in Mithapur, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
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As the captain of the Indian field hockey team, Manpreet Singh Pawar has had a significant impact on the sport both in India and around the world. He led his team to a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has been recognized as one of the most talented players in the game. But, his journey to success was not easy.
Early Life and Education of Manpreet Singh
Manpreet Singh Pawar was born on June 26, 1992, in Mithapur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar city in Punjab, India. He was born into a farming family and was the youngest of five siblings. He was introduced to field hockey at a young age and was inspired by the former Indian hockey captain Padma Shri Pargat Singh, who also hails from Manpreet’s village. Despite his mother locking him in a room to prevent him from playing, he eventually managed to escape and pursue his passion.
Professional Life
In 2005, at the age of 13, he enrolled in the Surjit Hockey Academy of Jalandhar, which is one of India’s most sought-after hockey academies. He made his international debut as part of the Indian junior team in 2011, at the age of 19. He represented India at the 2012 Summer Olympics and was named Asia’s Junior Player of the Year in 2014. In 2016, he was named in the Indian squad for the Summer Olympics. He captained the Indian junior men’s hockey team in the 2013 Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup and led the team to win the final gold medal at the 2013 Sultan of Johor Cup, where he also scored a goal.
Manpreet Singh Pawar plays as a halfback and is known for his skills on the field. He idolizes former German captain Moritz Fürste and is inspired by Sardar Singh’s style of play. He wears the same jersey number 7 as Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, who are among his favorite players.
Personal Life and Family of Manpreet Singh
Manpreet Singh Pawar is married to Malaysian Illi Najwa Saddique, whom he met when the Indian team featured in the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2013, where they won the gold medal. He enjoys meditating with yoga, playing PlayStation, and listening to Punjabi Bhangra music, especially by Diljit Dosanjh and Honey Singh, to focus and relax before games. He is a fan of Salman Khan and enjoys watching movies of sports genres, such as M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Chak De! India, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He dreams of “winning big for India” and inspiring youngsters to play a sport, any sport.
Awards and Achievements
Manpreet Singh Pawar has been recognized for his achievements and dedication to the sport. He was titled Junior Player of the Year by the Asian Hockey Federation in 2014. In 2021, he was awarded the Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honor of India.
Manpreet Singh Pawar has proven to be an inspiration for many young athletes in India and around the world. He has overcome obstacles and challenges to become one of the most respected and talented field hockey players in the world. His passion for the sport and dedication to achieving his dreams serve as an example for all those who aspire to greatness.