Manpreet Singh: Age, Height, Career, Wife, Girlfriend, Family, Biography & More

Manpreet Singh Quick Info

AgeHeightNet WorthProfession
31 Years5 ft 7 in$10 millionHockey Player
Manpreet Singh

Biography – Wiki

Full nameManpreet Singh Pawar
ProfessionField Hockey Player
Playing positionMidfielder
Physical Stats – Height – Weight & More
Height1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight69 kg (152 lb)
Eye ColourBlack
Hair ColourBlack
Exploring the Personal Life of Manpreet Singh
Date of BirthManpreet Singh was born on June 26, 1992, a Friday, in Mithapur, located in Jalandhar, Punjab.
AgeAs of 2024, Manpreet Singh is 31 years old.
BirthplaceHis birthplace is Mithapur in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Zodiac signManpreet Singh's zodiac sign is Cancer.
NationalityHe holds Indian nationality.
HometownManpreet Singh's hometown is also Mithapur in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Religion/Religious ViewsHe follows the Sikhism religion.
HobbiesHis hobbies include meditating, practicing yoga, listening to music, playing PlayStation, hanging out with friends, and watching films.
Tattoo(s)Manpreet Singh has two tattoos: A tiger woman tattoo on his right leg featuring a face of a woman inside the mouth of a crown-wearing tiger, and ‘ੴ’ or ‘Ek Onkar’ inked on his right hand, symbolizing the oneness of God according to Sikhism.
CapsHe is the fourth most capped player with 315 international caps.
Jersey NumberManpreet Singh wears the jersey number #7 for India as well as for the Hockey India League (HIL) team Ranchi Rays.
Player Profile: Manpreet Singh
Club information
Current clubPunjab Armed Police
National team
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2013–2015India U2192-2
2011–India349-27
Medal record
Men’s field hockey
Representing India
Olympic Games
2020 TokyoTeam
Asian Games
2014 IncheonTeam
2022 HangzhouTeam
2018 JakartaTeam
Asia Cup
2017 Dhaka
2013 Ipoh
Champions Trophy
2016 London
2018 Breda
Asian Champions Trophy
2011 Ordos City
2018 Muscat
2023 Chennai
2021 Dhaka
World League
2014–15 RaipurTeam
2016–17 BhubaneswarTeam
Commonwealth Games
2014 GlasgowTeam
2022 BirminghamTeam
South Asian Games
2016 GuwahatiTeam
Exploring the Family Tree: An Insight into Family Details
FamilyFather: Baljit Singh

Mother: Manjit Kaur

Siblings: Brothers - Amandeep Singh, who works as a truck driver in Italy.
Sukhraj Singh.
Manpreet’s Sports Career Journey
2002Manpreet Singh started playing hockey regularly at the age of 10, despite his mother initially trying to prevent him by locking him in his room.
2005He enrolled in one of India's most prestigious hockey academies, the Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar.
2011Manpreet made his international debut as part of the Indian junior team.
2013After winning his first prize of ₹500 cash (US$12 per 2002 conversion rate) in the Sultan of Johor Cup tournament, his family began fully supporting his hockey aspirations.
2022He achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal in the 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou.
Inspiration and InfluencesManpreet Singh drew inspiration from former Indian hockey captain Padma Shri Pargat Singh, who also hailed from his village, Mithapur. He was further motivated by the success of his elder brothers in hockey. He idolizes former German captain Moritz Fürste and is inspired by the playing style of Sardar Singh. Additionally, he admires Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, both of whom wear the same jersey number as him, number 7.
Manpreet’s Junior Hockey Career
2013Manpreet Singh was appointed as the captain of the India junior men’s hockey team for the 2013 Men's Hockey Junior World Cup. Under his leadership, the Indian team clinched the gold medal in the 2013 Sultan of Johor Cup by defeating Malaysia 3–0 in the final match, during which Manpreet also scored a goal.
2014He was honored with the title of Junior Player of the Year by the Asian Hockey Federation in recognition of his exceptional performances and leadership qualities displayed during the previous year.
Senior Hockey
2012–2016: Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games wins
2012Manpreet Singh represented India in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2014He was a vital part of India's men's hockey team at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, where they clinched the gold medal by defeating arch-rival Pakistan in the final with a score of 4–2.
2014Manpreet also participated in the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland. India secured the silver medal in the men's hockey event after losing to Australia in the final match with a score of 4–0.
2016India won the silver medal at the 2016 Men's Hockey Champions Trophy in London. Manpreet Singh contributed to the team's success as they reached the final after 38 years, eventually losing to Australia in the final match with a score of 1–3.
2016He was named in the Indian squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. However, India faced disappointment as they were defeated by Belgium in the quarterfinals with a score of 1–3.
Father's death during 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
2016Just hours before the opening match of the 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup between Japan and India, which India won 1–2, Manpreet Singh received the devastating news of his father's sudden demise. Consequently, he missed the subsequent match against Australia on 7 April 2016, as he traveled back to India to fulfill his familial responsibilities and perform the death rituals for his father. In a touching display of solidarity, Australian players observed a minute's silence and wore black armbands to show support for Manpreet and the Indian team. Unfortunately, India lost the match in his absence by 5–1.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Manpreet's mother encouraged him to return and play, emphasizing his father's wish for him to give his best for the pride of the nation. He rejoined the team and participated in the next match against Canada on 10 April 2016, which India won by 1–3.
His resilience and determination were evident in the subsequent match against Pakistan on 12 April 2016, where India emerged victorious with a score of 5–1. Manpreet played a pivotal role by scoring a goal within the first 4 minutes, contributing to India's early pressure on the opponents.
In the match against New Zealand on 13 April 2016, despite India's loss with a score of 2–1, Manpreet managed to score India's sole goal during the match, showcasing his commitment to the team amidst personal tragedy.
India bounced back strongly in their last pool match against Malaysia on 15 April 2016, securing a convincing victory with a score of 6–1.
Despite the challenges he faced, Manpreet's performance throughout the tournament was commendable. India finished as runners-up after losing the final against Australia by 4-0 on 16 April 2016. Out of India's total of 18 goals in the tournament, Manpreet managed to score 2 goals during the period of mourning, highlighting his resilience and dedication to the sport and the team.
Captain of India 2017 Onward
2017Manpreet Singh was appointed as the captain of India's hockey team starting from May 18, 2017. He led the team in various prestigious tournaments including the three Nations Invitational Tournament in Germany and the World League Semi Final in England.
2019He was honored with the prestigious 2019 Men's FIH Player of the Year Award in recognition of his outstanding performances and leadership on the field.
2020Manpreet Singh led the Indian National Men's Hockey Team as the captain in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Additionally, he had the honor of being the flagbearer during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, alongside Mary Kom. Under his leadership, India achieved a remarkable feat by securing the bronze medal in the Olympics. In the crucial match against Germany, India emerged victorious with a score of 5–4, with Manpreet playing a pivotal role in guiding the team towards this historic victory.
Tokyo Olympics 2020
2021In the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021, Manpreet Singh showcased exemplary leadership as he guided the Indian men's hockey team to a bronze medal victory. Despite facing a setback with a 1–7 loss to Australia in the group stage, Manpreet rallied his team and led them to an impressive comeback.
Under his captaincy, India secured victories against Spain, Argentina (the defending champion at the time), and Japan in successive matches. They further demonstrated their resilience by defeating Great Britain 3–1 in the quarter-final. However, they faced a formidable challenge in the semi-finals against Belgium, the then top-ranked team, and eventual gold medalists, succumbing to a 2–5 defeat.
In the bronze-medal match, Manpreet Singh inspired his team to a thrilling 5–4 victory against Germany, clinching the bronze medal for India. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the Indian hockey team, as it was their first podium finish at the Olympic Games since 1980. Manpreet's leadership, determination, and strategic prowess played a crucial role in guiding the team to this historic triumph on the global stage.
Awards Received by Manpreet Singh
Awards, Honors, AchievementsDescription
Asia's Junior Player of the Year (2014)Recognized as Asia's Junior Player of the Year in 2014, highlighting his exceptional talent and performance at the junior level.
Best Midfielder of the Year Hockey India Annual Awards (2015)Awarded the title of Best Midfielder of the Year at the Hockey India Annual Awards in 2015, acknowledging his outstanding skills and contributions in the midfield position.
AHF (Asian Hockey Federation) Best Player of the Year (2015)Honored as the Best Player of the Year by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in 2015, underscoring his dominance and excellence in the sport at the continental level.
Arjuna Award (2018)Conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2018, one of India's highest sporting honors, in recognition of his remarkable achievements and contributions to field hockey.
FIH (Fédération Internationale de Hockey) Player of the Year (2019)Recognized as the FIH Player of the Year in 2019 by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), highlighting his exceptional skill, leadership, and performance on the international stage.
Hockey India Dhruv Batra Player of the Year Award (2019)Awarded the Hockey India Dhruv Batra Player of the Year Award in 2019, showcasing his dominance and influence in Indian hockey during the year.
Sportsman of the Decade at ACES Awards (2021)Honored with the title of Sportsman of the Decade at the ACES Awards in 2021, recognizing his consistent excellence and impact on the sport of hockey over the past decade.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021Received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor, in 2021, in recognition of his outstanding achievements, leadership, and contribution to Indian hockey at the international level, solidifying his status as one of the country's most distinguished athletes.
Relationships & More
Affairs/GirlfriendsIlli Najwa Saddique: Manpreet Singh's and Illi Najwa Saddique first crossed paths in 2012 during Manpreet's tour with the senior national hockey team for the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. Illi was among the spectators, and after a brief interaction, they exchanged phone numbers. Their connection grew over time, leading to their engagement in February 2014. Illi, who originally hails from Pakistan, had been working at a university in Malaysia. Manpreet confirmed that Illi would be residing with him in Punjab, signifying their commitment to each other.
Personal Life
Marital StatusMarried
Marriage DateDecember 16, 2020
Wife/SpouseIlli Najwa Saddique: Manpreet Singh and Illi Najwa Saddique, who had initially planned their wedding before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, after an eight-year courtship, they finally tied the knot. The wedding ceremony took place at a gurdwara in Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, followed by a lunch reception for approximately 60-70 guests at Manpreet's hometown of Mithapur village. Manpreet looked resplendent in a ceremonial Punjabi wedding suit complemented with a turban, while Illi adorned herself in traditional Punjabi bridal attire for the special occasion.
ChildrenDaughter: Jasmine
Manpreet’s Favorites
Sport(s)Manpreet enjoys playing and watching hockey and football.
Football Player(s)His favorite football players include Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Eden Hazard.
Football ClubManpreet's preferred football club is Real Madrid CF.
Hockey Player(s)He admires hockey players such as Moritz Fürste, Sardar Singh, and Pargat Singh.
FoodHis favorite food is pizza.
ActorSalman Khan is his favorite actor.
BikeManpreet's preferred bike models are Hayabusa and R1.
FilmHis favorite films include "Chak De! India" (2007), "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" (2013), and "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story" (2016).
Singer(s)He enjoys the music of Diljit Dosanjh, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Garry Sandhu, and Karan Aujla.
AthleteMary Kom is his favorite athlete.
ExerciseManpreet's preferred exercises are leg press and squats.
Favorite ShotHis favorite shot in hockey is the slap shot.
Style Quotient, Assets & Properties
Car & Bike CollectionN/A
Assets / PropertiesN/A
Salary, Net Worth & Monthly Income
Net Worth$10 million
Yearly IncomeAround 1.2 crores Indian Rupees (approximately $160,000 USD)

Unveiling the lesser-known facets of Manpreet Singh’s life


  • Manpreet Singh was born in a farming family in Mithapur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar in Punjab, India.
  • He married Malaysian-Pakistani Illi Najwa Saddique on December 16, 2020, in Punjab.
  • They first met during the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2013, where the Indian team won the gold medal.
  • Illi previously worked at the University of Southampton Malaysia Campus in Johor before moving to India after their marriage.

  • Before games, Manpreet focuses and relaxes by meditating with yoga.
  • He also enjoys playing PlayStation and listening to Punjabi Bhangra music, particularly by Diljit Dosanjh and Honey Singh.
  • Manpreet always carries his PlayStation with him when traveling for matches.

  • Manpreet is a fan of Salman Khan and enjoys watching movies, especially those of the sports genre like “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” “Chak De! India,” and “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.”
  • He has expressed his interest in trying acting in movies if offered a role.

  • His big dream is to “win big for India” in sports.
  • His biggest goal is to “inspire youngsters to play a sport, any sport.”

  • Adidas: Adidas signs Manpreet Singh to endorse the brand in India. He will be seen endorsing the German footwear and apparel brand in the country alongside an elite list of athletes including Hima Das, Swapna Burman, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Rishabh Pant.
  • Brand Ambassador of Shyam Steel: Shyam Steel, a producer and manufacturer of TMT Bars, has named Manpreet Singh as their brand ambassador. In this collaboration, Singh will feature prominently in Shyam Steel’s print and digital campaigns across India.
  • ASICS India: Indian hockey player Manpreet Singh has signed a deal with ASICS India, the Indian division of Japanese sports performance brand ASICS. Under the partnership, Singh will represent ASICS by wearing their apparel and footwear during matches and training sessions. ASICS India is pleased to collaborate with Singh, former captain of the Indian Men’s Hockey team, who embodies the brand’s philosophy of “sound mind, sound body.” This partnership reflects ASICS’ commitment to supporting and nurturing young talent in India to reach their full potential. Singh’s dedication to sports and life aligns perfectly with ASICS’ values and vision.
  • Scorrd Brand Ambassador: Manpreet Singh serves as an ambassador for Scorrd, an online hockey platform that facilitates connections among hockey players, coaches, fans, and clubs.
  • Red Bull Sponsorship: Additionally, he is sponsored by Red Bull and features as one of their athletes on various social media platforms.

  • Manpreet Singh was born into a Punjabi farming family in Mithapur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar, Punjab.
  • The village has a rich hockey legacy, nurturing players like Swarup Singh, Kulwant Singh, and Pargat Singh.
  • Manpreet grew up playing hockey with his elder brothers, who were skilled players themselves and represented Punjab at national championships.
  • Despite initial opposition from his mother due to concerns about injuries, Manpreet’s first hockey win, which earned him Rs. 500, changed her perspective.
  • In 2005, he began training at the prestigious Surjit Hockey Academy in Jalandhar.
  • Manpreet found inspiration in Pargat Singh, former captain of the Indian hockey team, who also supported his family financially and helped his elder brother immigrate to Germany.
  • Despite financial constraints forcing his brothers to quit, Manpreet pursued hockey professionally.
  • His achievements in hockey earned him a DSP Rank in the Punjab Police.
  • In 2013, he got engaged to Illi Najwa Saddique, whom he met during the Sultan of Johor Cup, where she approached the team for a picture.
  • Saddique, born to a hockey player mother, shares Manpreet’s passion for the sport and serves as his keenest critic.
  • Manpreet follows Cristiano Ronaldo’s belief in staying grounded and humble despite success.
  • He is an avid Playstation enthusiast and always carries it with him.

Accusation Made by Sjoerd Marijne: Manpreet Singh found himself embroiled in controversy following allegations made by Sjoerd Marijne in his upcoming book. Marijne claimed that Manpreet Singh instructed a player to deliberately underperform so that his friends could secure a place in the Indian hockey team. This accusation has led to strong objections from the hockey teams, who have threatened legal action against the former coach.


Throughout his journey, Manpreet Singh has exemplified resilience, dedication, and leadership both on and off the field. From humble beginnings in a farming family to rising as a stalwart in Indian hockey, Manpreet’s story is one of remarkable success. Despite facing challenges and controversies along the way, he has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes. His achievements, including leading the Indian Men’s Hockey team to podium finishes in prestigious tournaments like the Olympics and Asian Games, underscore his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond his sporting prowess, Manpreet’s integrity and humility have earned him respect both nationally and internationally. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of Indian sports history, Manpreet Singh stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in realizing one’s dreams.





Who is Manpreet Singh?

Manpreet Singh is a prominent Indian hockey player who has captained the Indian Men's Hockey team and achieved numerous accolades in the sport.

What position does Manpreet Singh play in hockey?

Manpreet Singh primarily plays as a midfielder in hockey.

When was Manpreet Singh born?

Manpreet Singh was born on [Insert Birth Date].

Where is Manpreet Singh from?

Manpreet Singh hails from Mithapur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar in Punjab, India.

What are some of Manpreet Singh's notable achievements in hockey?

Manpreet Singh has led the Indian Men's Hockey team to podium finishes in tournaments like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Has Manpreet Singh won any awards for his performances in hockey?

Yes, Manpreet Singh has received several awards including the Arjuna Award and FIH Player of the Year Award.

When did Manpreet Singh start playing hockey?

Manpreet Singh began playing hockey at a young age and started to pursue it seriously around [Insert Year].

Is Manpreet Singh married?

Yes, Manpreet Singh is married to Illi Najwa Saddique.

How did Manpreet Singh meet his wife?

Manpreet Singh first met his wife, Illi Najwa Saddique, during a hockey tournament in Malaysia.

What are Manpreet Singh's hobbies outside of hockey?

Manpreet Singh enjoys meditating, practicing yoga, playing PlayStation, and listening to music.

What are some of Manpreet Singh's favorite movies?

Some of Manpreet Singh's favorite movies include "Chak De! India," "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," and "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story."

Which sports personalities does Manpreet Singh admire?

Manpreet Singh admires athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mary Kom, and Salman Khan.

How does Manpreet Singh prepare for matches?

Manpreet Singh prepares for matches by focusing on meditation, yoga, and mental preparation.

What is Manpreet Singh's favorite food?

Manpreet Singh enjoys eating pizza.

What brand of sports apparel does Manpreet Singh endorse?

Manpreet Singh endorses brands like Adidas and ASICS for sports apparel and footwear.

What is the significance of Manpreet Singh's jersey number?

Manpreet Singh wears the jersey number 7, a number associated with iconic athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

How does Manpreet Singh contribute to the community outside of hockey?

Manpreet Singh is involved in various social initiatives and encourages youth participation in sports.

How many international caps does Manpreet Singh have?

Manpreet Singh has earned [Insert Number] international caps representing India in hockey.

What are some of the challenges Manpreet Singh has faced in his career?

Manpreet Singh has faced challenges such as injuries, intense competition, and balancing sports with personal life.

How does Manpreet Singh stay motivated during tough times?

Manpreet Singh stays motivated by setting goals, seeking inspiration from role models, and focusing on continuous improvement.

What advice does Manpreet Singh have for aspiring hockey players?

Manpreet Singh advises aspiring hockey players to stay dedicated, work hard, and never give up on their dreams.

How does Manpreet Singh balance professional commitments with personal life?

Manpreet Singh prioritizes time management, communication, and support from family and friends to balance his professional and personal life.

What are some of Manpreet Singh's future goals in hockey?

Manpreet Singh aims to continue representing India in international competitions and contribute to the development of hockey in the country.

How does Manpreet Singh handle pressure during crucial matches?

Manpreet Singh manages pressure by staying focused, maintaining a positive mindset, and relying on his training and experience.

What legacy does Manpreet Singh hope to leave in the world of hockey?

Manpreet Singh hopes to inspire future generations of hockey players and leave a legacy of sportsmanship, leadership, and excellence in the sport.



References/Sources

  1. en.wikipedia.org
  2. outlookindia
  3. sportskhabri
  4. brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com
  5. in.fashionnetwork.com
  6. tribuneindia.com

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