Manpreet Singh Pawar is a name that has become synonymous with Indian hockey. Born and brought up in Mithapur village, Punjab, he started playing hockey at a young age and has since then become an inspiration to many. His hard work and determination have led him to become the captain of the Indian hockey team, leading them to victory in numerous tournaments, including the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Early Life and Career
Manpreet was born in a farming family in Mithapur village on the outskirts of Jalandhar city. He started playing hockey regularly at the age of 10, and his family started to support him completely after he won his first prize of ₹500 in a tournament. In 2005, he enrolled in India's one of the most sought-after hockey academies, Surjit Hockey Academy of Jalandhar. He idolises former German captain Moritz Fürste and is inspired by Sardar Singh's style of play.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics
In the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Manpreet led the Indian men's hockey team to a bronze medal. The team's remarkable comeback after losing to Australia in the second match of the group stage was inspiring, and they defeated Spain, Argentina (the then defending champion), and Japan in succession. They beat Great Britain in the quarter-finals but fell to eventual gold medallists Belgium in the semi-finals. In the bronze-medal match, India defeated Germany 5–4 to win the bronze medal, the first podium finish at the Olympic Games for the Indian hockey team since 1980.
Conclusion
Manpreet's dedication and passion for the sport have led him to become a role model for many aspiring hockey players. His love for Punjabi Bhangra music, PlayStation, and movies of sports genre, such as Chak De! India, show his down-to-earth nature. His big dream is to "win big for India," and he wants to "inspire youngsters to play a sport, any sport." Manpreet's journey is an inspiration to many, and we can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.
