Harmanpreet Singh Completes 250 International Matches for India

Rajgir : India’s captain and ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh reached a historic milestone on Thursday when he completed 250 international matches during the Super 4 clash against Malaysia at the Hero Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025.

Hockey India congratulated the veteran defender for his achievement, which was celebrated at the Rajgir Sports Complex in front of home fans amid thunderous applause. Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet received his 250th jersey from India’s chief coach Craig Fulton.

Expressing his emotions on the occasion, Harmanpreet said,

“This is a very special and emotional moment for me. I have received immense love from hockey fans throughout my career and I am grateful for their support. The past few years have been particularly memorable, not only because we won back-to-back Olympic medals but also because my daughter cheered for me during some matches. The journey so far has been unforgettable, and I want to continue contributing to Indian hockey’s legacy.”

Harmanpreet made his debut in 2015 and has since been a crucial pillar of India’s defence line. The same year, he won gold with the Indian junior men’s hockey team at the Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia, followed by another gold at the 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup.

In 2016, he was part of the silver medal-winning squad at the Champions Trophy in London. The following year, he played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal triumph at the Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and helped the team secure a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey World League 2016-17.

Harmanpreet continued his fine run in 2018, clinching silver at the Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands, bronze at the Jakarta Asian Games, and gold at the Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman.

He was part of the Indian squad that finished eighth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, before becoming a bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As captain, he then led India to another bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, completing a rare Olympic double.

In 2023, he was also part of the gold medal-winning side at the Asian Games and captained India to victory at the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai.

Congratulating Harmanpreet on his landmark achievement, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said,

“It is always an honour to play for India, and representing the country 250 times is a significant achievement. I am delighted that Harmanpreet Singh achieved this milestone on home soil, and in such an important tournament. His efforts on the field have delivered great results for India. I hope he continues to inspire the younger generation and wish him the very best for the future.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also extended his wishes, stating,

“Harmanpreet is the pride of India, and I am glad he has achieved this milestone. Very few players in India have the experience of playing 250 international matches. It is truly remarkable that he has consistently given his 100 percent for the country every time he stepped onto the field.”