India's most-capped hockey player, Manpreet Singh, has credited cricket icon Virat Kohli for inspiring his approach to fitness and longevity, saying the former India captain's dedication has influenced athletes across different sports. The veteran midfielder made the remarks after achieving a historic milestone during the ongoing European leg of the FIH Pro League.
Manpreet, 33, surpassed former India hockey captain and Hockey India chief Dilip Tirkey's tally of 412 international appearances, taking his career total to 413 caps. The achievement places him fifth on the all-time list of most-capped hockey players and makes him the only active player among the top five, underlining his remarkable consistency at the highest level.
Speaking during an online interaction from Rotterdam, Manpreet praised Kohli's commitment to maintaining peak physical condition. "Everyone knows that Virat is a fitness freak," he said, adding that the star batter's disciplined lifestyle has motivated him throughout his own career. Manpreet noted that following a strong fitness routine is essential for athletes aiming for sustained success in international sport.
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Referring to Kohli's recent comment that he still feels he has "not even reached 15 per cent" of his fitness potential, Manpreet responded with admiration and humour. He said that if a player of Kohli's stature believes he has more room for improvement, it serves as a powerful reminder for every athlete to keep pushing their limits and never become complacent.
The experienced midfielder also expressed optimism about India's chances at the upcoming Hockey World Cup. Drawing confidence from the team's recent performances and growing experience, Manpreet said the squad is focused on maintaining consistency and competing against the world's best teams with the aim of delivering a strong campaign on the global stage.
A key figure in Indian hockey for more than a decade, Manpreet has been instrumental in several landmark achievements, including the historic Olympic bronze medal triumph in Tokyo. His latest milestone reflects not only his longevity but also the increasing emphasis on fitness and professionalism in Indian sport, values that he believes are embodied by Virat Kohli and are helping athletes extend their careers at the highest level.
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