‘Could be my last World Cup’: Manpreet Singh wants India to end 50-year wait for hockey glory in 2026

For Manpreet Singh, the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup isn't just another tournament. It could be his last.

And that makes the one medal missing from India's recent collection feel even more important.

Speaking to JioStar, the India midfielder said the upcoming World Cup will be his fourth appearance at the global showpiece, and he knows exactly what is at stake. “This World Cup means a lot to me because it's my fourth edition,” Manpreet said.

India have won back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, but the World Cup podium has remained out of reach for decades. For Manpreet, who has been part of India's rise on the international stage, that gap is impossible to ignore. “We have won back-to-back Olympic medals, but a World Cup medal is still missing. Every player dreams of having both,” he said.

Then came the admission that gives the tournament an added personal edge. “For me, this could be my last World Cup, so I am approaching it with that mindset.”

One medal is still missing. India doesn’t just want to compete this time. They want to finish the job.

Manpreet believes the team has enough experience, talent and preparation to challenge for the title. “I am determined to achieve what we haven't yet. The team has the experience and the talent to go all the way. We have prepared well, and the belief is firm,” he said.

The target is clear: turn India's recent Olympic momentum into World Cup glory. Indian hockey has spent the past few years rebuilding its reputation at the biggest stages. Now, Manpreet believes the next step has to be the World Cup. “Indian sports are rising across the board, and hockey is no different. We have won Olympic medals, and now it's time to go all the way in the World Cup,” he said.

And then there's captain Harmanpreet Singh. If India are to go all the way, Harmanpreet will be central to that challenge. Manpreet sees him as more than just the team's leader. He sees a player who can change a game. “Harmanpreet is an exceptional captain. He leads from the front and guides everyone on the field,” Manpreet said.

The midfielder praised Harmanpreet's ability to keep the team composed when matches become tense, while also highlighting his reading of the game. “He motivates the players during tough moments and keeps the team calm under pressure. His ability to read the game is top class,” he added.

And then there is the weapon that has become synonymous with Harmanpreet: the drag flick. Manpreet called him one of the best drag-flickers in the world, pointing to his power and variation and his ability to deliver when India need him most. “Having a captain like him gives the whole team confidence,” he said.

India have been drawn in Pool D alongside England, Wales and arch-rivals Pakistan. That means there will be little room for complacency.

India are the only Asian team to have won the men's World Cup, lifting the trophy in 1975 after beating Pakistan 2-1 in the final. But that triumph is now five decades old. The wait has stretched through generation after generation, including India's ninth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup in Bhubaneswar.

This time, the expectations are different. Two consecutive Olympic bronze medals, an Asia Cup title and two Asian Champions Trophy triumphs have given Indian hockey plenty of momentum. Now comes the tournament that has continued to elude them.

For Manpreet, it could also be the final chance to complete a personal chapter.

Four World Cups. Two Olympic medals. One missing prize.

And this time, he wants to bring it home.

(With inputs from ANI)