Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh turned back the clock on Thursday night as his timely goal inspired India to a crucial 4-1 victory over Malaysia in the Asia Cup Super 4s stage, putting the team a step closer to Sunday’s final.
The 33-year-old, who made his debut in 2011, continues to defy age with his sharpness and fitness. Much like tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who is still competing at the highest level at 38, Manpreet has relied on experience, reinvention and sheer resilience to remain India’s engine in midfield.
A rocky start for India
India’s evening in Rajgir began on a tense note when Shafiq Hasan stunned the hosts with a goal in the very first minute. The early strike unsettled India, who looked disorganized and struggled to connect passes in the first quarter. For a brief spell, it seemed Malaysia could spring a major upset.
But just seconds into the second quarter, India earned a penalty corner that would change the course of the match. After a series of retakes and saves from Malaysian goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman, the ball rebounded kindly. Manpreet reacted fastest, springing forward to slap the ball into the net with perfect timing in the 17th minute.
The equalizer not only lifted the team’s spirits but also broke Malaysia’s resistance. From there, India looked a completely different side.
Free-flowing hockey returns
Two minutes after Manpreet’s strike, India combined beautifully to take the lead. Harmanpreet Singh initiated the move, with Jugraj Singh and Hardik Singh linking up before Abhishek found Shilanand Lakra inside the circle. Lakra squared the ball to Sukhjeet Singh, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-1.
With confidence restored, India abandoned the risky long passes that had troubled them earlier and instead focused on simple, effective hockey. Quick passes, intelligent positioning and unselfish play in attack paid dividends. Lakra and Vivek Sagar Prasad added two more goals, sealing a commanding 4-1 victory.
Coach Craig Fulton described the clash as being “like a quarterfinal,” and the result has put India in pole position to reach the tournament decider.
Manpreet 2.0: From struggle to peak fitness
The night was also a personal triumph for Manpreet. Just a year ago, at the Asian Champions Trophy, he had been struggling with weight and fitness issues, tipping the scales at 73kg — the heaviest in his career. Realizing the decline, he returned to Jalandhar, adopted a strict diet, and spent the off-season training relentlessly.
The transformation is striking. Six kilos lighter and noticeably sharper, Manpreet dominated midfield on Thursday, not only scoring the equalizer but also assisting the final goal.
Hardik Singh, who often shares light-hearted banter with the veteran, summed up his influence perfectly: “It’s huge what he is doing. He’s been playing since 2011 and is still going strong. I think hockey players are a little underrated, but we are among the fittest athletes in India.”
A leader who inspires
The camaraderie between Manpreet and Hardik was on display again after the match. Walking off the field, Hardik joked that Manpreet had “defeated his in-laws” — a playful reference to his wife being from Malaysia. Manpreet responded with a mock punch, both breaking into laughter.
Beyond the banter, Manpreet’s influence remains undeniable. His strike against Malaysia may prove to be the turning point of India’s Asia Cup campaign — a reminder that even after more than a decade at the top, the veteran midfielder is still capable of sparking India into life when it matters most.
