Manpreet Singh: Our London Trump
I saw Manpreet in Australia tour last November, Lanco 9s included, then in Delhi in the SA test series and OQ, and last at the Azlan Shah Cup, which works out almost 90 percent of his caps. I am sure he gave hundred percent in all those events, and if he will continue the same form, of which I have no doubt, this wonder boy will be Nobbs’ trump in London.
He looks too young to shoulder his family’s ambitions but Manpreet Singh is actually living the dream of not one but three people. The 19-year-old is the first one from his family to play for India and with his selection in the Olympics squad, he has fulfilled his brothers’ ambitions.
Inspired by his elder brothers Amandeep Singh (28) and Sukhraj Singh (25) – both having played for Punjab at the national championships – Manpreet picked up the stick quite early. However, financial constraints forced his brothers to quit playing, Amandeep moving to Italy, though they managed to push him on.
Manpreet first brushed up his skills at the Olympian Surjeet Hockey Academy in Jalandhar in 2005, at the age of 12. He was considered talented enough to make the national grade but had to wait for his turn on the big stage. A knew injury in 2009 did not help, forcing him out of action for almost a year. In fact, that was soon after he had made his India debut, and was perhaps the worst time for him to get injured, but he had age on his side. A natural leader despite his young age, Manpreet’s leadership skills were tested when he was named skipper for the 2008 Asia Cup in Myanmar, which was also his international debut.
That team was selected after controversy on overage players, as a result of which almost every player who played then was absolutely raw. It is a measure of Manpreet’s skills that he is the only one from that side who has not only managed to graduate to the national side but also impressed the coaches and selectors enough to make it to the Olympics. Only two other players from that side have even managed to make it to the probables – Devinder Walmiki, younger brother of international Yuvraj Walmiki, and Amit Rohidas. But Manpreet has been much better than anyone.
Manpreet finally made his senior India debut at the Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos last year. He was equally impressive during the test series against South Africa before the Olympic qualifiers and the qualifiers as well. Now, the teenager, employed as an assistant manager with Indian Overseas Bank, is hoping to continue with the good work at London.