India and hockey are bonded together since eternity. The Indian men's hockey team is one of the most successful teams as they have won 12 medals at the Olympics including 7 gold medals. Also, the most successful sports representation of India in the Olympics is field hockey.

This year in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the team managed to win a bronze for the country. Winning a match requires effort from the entire team. A small contribution from every nook and corner makes the winning process easier and smoother.

Also, good direction and captaincy by the captain help the squad to remain enthusiastic, and focused, and perform well throughout the game. Let's take a look at every Indian hockey captain who represented the Indian hockey team to victory.

Firstly, the Indian hockey team experienced heaven on earth from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Secondly, the team won 6 gold medals consecutively at all the 6 Olympic Games. The first Indian hockey captain to represent the team and win a medal was Jaipal Singh Munda in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Read also: Tokyo Olympics 2020 Live Updates and Results: Hockey Team wins Bronze, Vinesh into QF

List of every Indian Hockey Captain to win Olympic Medal

1. Jaipal Singh Munda

Jaipal Singh Munda is the first Indian hockey captain to clinch the first gold medal for the nation in the Olympics. He led the team in the 1928 Summer Olympics hosted in Amsterdam and brought the gold in the home for the first time.

2. Lal Shah Bokhari

India won the gold medal for the second time in field hockey under the captaincy of Lal Singh Bokhari in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. The former Indian captain was also a part of the Los Angeles Olympics in 1928.

Read also: Every Indian Hockey Captain in the Olympics

3. Dhyan Chand

One of the strongest pillars of the Indian men's hockey team is none other than Dhyan Chand. His contribution to the establishment and popularity of hockey in India is exceptional. He led the team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and won the gold. He is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in hockey history and no wonder why he is also considered the magician in the sport. Also, he was a pivotal member of the Indian team in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics.

4. Kishan Lal

It was a very special moment for all the Indians when the Indian hockey team won the gold for the first time as an independent nation in the 1948 London Olympics. Kishan Lal was the captain of the team that won in the 1948 London Olympics.

5. Kunwar Digvijay Singh 

The captain representing the Indian hockey team in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics Kunwar Digvijay Singh. The former Captain is one of the best players in field hockey and was lovingly called Babu by everyone. He was also sometimes compared with the wizard of hockey, Dhyan Chand, because of his passing tricks.

6. Balbir Singh Senior

Balbir Singh Senior is regarded as the Dhyan Chand of the modern-day because of his contribution and sacrifice for the sport. The captain of the team in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics was an important part of the 1948 London Olympics, the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, and obviously the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The legendary former hockey player also made the record by scoring the most number of goals by an individual in the Olympics men's hockey final.

Read also: Tokyo Olympics 2020 Hockey Semi-finals schedule & fixture

7. Leslie Claudius

Under the captaincy of Leslie Claudius, India won the first silver medal in the Olympics. He was the captain of the team in the 1960 Rome Olympics. The former captain is one of the only two Indian field hockey players who won four Olympic medals. He was also a part of the Indian team in the 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960 Olympics.

Read Also: 12 examples of the Olympic Spirit where respect was shown

8. Charanjit Singh

In the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Charanjit Singh was the captain of the team that won the gold medal for the seventh time. He belongs to Himachal Pradesh and therefore made Himachal very proud by his performances and contributions.

9. Gurbux Singh and Prithipal Singh

The first bronze medal in field hockey was won by India in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Under the joint captaincy of Gurbax Singh and Prithipal Singh, India created history and won the first-ever bronze medal in field hockey.

10. Harmik Singh

India clinched the bronze medal for the second time in the 1972 Munich Olympics under the captaincy of Harmik Singh. He was also a part of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

Read Also: Sushil Kumar vs Bajrang Punia: Who is India's greatest wrestler ever?

11. Vasudevan Baskaran

The 1980 Moscow Olympics was the last time when the Indian hockey team won the Gold medal in the Olympics. Vasudevan Baskaran was the captain of the team in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

12. Manpreet Singh

The present captain of the Indian men's hockey team is Manpreet Singh. He represented the team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won the bronze medal for the country. Moreover, India won a bronze in the Olympics for the third time. India won the bronze medal by defeating Germany 5-4. Indeed, it was a hard-fought win. In conclusion, Indians are very proud of the entire Indian hockey contingent.

Bengal, a region known for its rich culture and long history, also has a special connection to the world of sports. Many athletes from Bengal have achieved great things, with some even winning medals at the Olympic Games.

It is important to remember these champions who, over the years and through various challenges, brought Olympic glory home.

Let's explore the list of all Olympic medal winners from Bengal and revisit those glorious moments of pride.

Norman Pritchard (1900 Paris Olympics)

• Sport: Athletics
• Medals Won: 2 Silvers (Men's 200m, Men's 200m Hurdles)

Born in Kolkata (then Calcutta) in 1875, Norman Pritchard was a British-Indian athlete who holds a unique place in Olympic history as the first Asian-born athlete to win a medal. This remarkable moment arrived in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where he represented India in Athletics.

Pritchard participated in five athletics events, and clinched 2 silver medals: one in Men's 200m sprint, and another in Men's 200m hurdles.

His achievements marked history as he became the first Indian athlete to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games and also the first medalist from Bengal.

After his sporting career, he moved to the United States and became a successful actor in silent films under the name Norman Trevor.

Read Also: Olympic Trivia: 25 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About the Games

Carlyle Tapsell (1932 Los Angeles Olympics)

• Sport: Field Hockey
• Medals Won: Gold (Men's team)

Carlyle Tapsell, born in Adra, a town of Purulia district in West Bengal, was a vital part of India's field hockey team that brought the second Gold medal home for India in Olympic history. This period, followed by the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, is recognised as the "golden age" for Indian hockey.

Tapsell was known for his defensive strength and penalty expertise. He played along with stars like Dhyan Chand to secure a historic 24-1 victory over the host nation, the USA.

This achievement cemented India's status as the world's best hockey team and made Tapsell the second Olympic champion from Bengal.

Read Also: 8 unbreakable Olympic records: Bolt, Phelps, Kim and more

Leander Paes (1996 Atlanta Olympics)

• Sport: Tennis
• Medals Won: Bronze (Men's Singles)

Born in Kolkata, Leander Paes, who hails from a family with an incredible sporting background, wrote a memorable chapter at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His bronze in Men's Singles Tennis ended the 44-year drought for an individual Olympic medal for India.

Paes is the only athlete to win a medal in Tennis for India. He is known for his strong will and unpredictable style, often called "junk tennis," that confused many higher-ranked opponents.

Despite suffering a wrist injury in the semi-final match, he did not give up and bagged the medal in the bronze medal match against Brazil's Fernando Meligeni, winning three sets (3-6, 6-2, 6-4).

His father, Vece Paes, was also an Olympic medalist, who won a bronze medal in hockey at the 1972 Munich Olympics. With Leander's win in 1996, they became the only father-son duo to have both won Olympic medals in different sports.

Wherever Neeraj Chopra goes, he does not return empty-handed. This series started in 2016 when this rising star made a record for the first time at the Under-20 World Athletics Championships. From that day itself, we got a glimpse of the future to come, in which many records were to be made and broken one after the other.

On Friday night of 16 May, Neeraj maintained the same trend in Doha Diamond League 2025 and got his name registered in history, becoming the first Indian to breach the 90m mark in the sport. So, it's time we take a look at every Neeraj Chopra records that he has made in his tremendous career so far.

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra’s best throws: Here are all the top throws by javelin ace Neeraj Chopra

Every Neeraj Chopra records you should know

• First Indian to breach the 90m mark: Neeraj Chopra’s best throw is 90.23m, achieved at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, 2025. The mark stands as the men’s national record in India and Neeraj Chopra’s personal best. It was the first time an Indian had breached the 90m-mark in the javelin.
• First Indian to win Olympic medal in athletics: At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Neeraj Chopra produced a historic performance in the men's javelin throw event. Neeraj won the gold medal in the final with a throw of 87.58m, giving India its first Olympic medal in athletics. With this win, Neeraj Chopra also became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track and field event at the Olympics.
• First Indian to win silver at World Athletics Championships: Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won a historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon. He recorded a throw of 88.13m in his fourth attempt to claim the second spot. Chopra thus is the first Indian to win a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships and only the second medallist from the country after Anju Bobby George in 2003.
• First Indian track and field athlete to win world championship: Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. With this win, the then 18-year-old Neeraj became the first Indian track and field athlete to become a world champion in any event and any age level.
• First Indian World Record holder in track & field: Neeraj Chopra Threw 86.48m at the junior championships in Poland to win the title. With this, he set the new under-20 world record, beating the 84.69m mark established by the previous holder, Latvia's Zigismunds Sirmais. Neeraj’s 86.48m attempt at Bydgoszcz still stands as both the U20 world record as well as the U20 Asian record in the javelin throw.
• Indian national javelin throw record holder: Neeraj Chopra’s best attempt to date came at the Stockholm Diamond League 2022 in Sweden on June 30, 2022, where he managed his personal best of 89.94m to establish the new national record.
• First Indian to win javelin throw gold at Asian Games: Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian javelin thrower to win a gold medal at the Asian Games. Before him, Gurtej Singh was the only men’s javelin thrower from the country to win a medal – bronze at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games. Neeraj threw  88.06m to claim the 2018 Asian Games title.
• First Indian to win a Diamond League meet: Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a Diamond League meet after he topped the field in Lausanne in 2022. With a depleted field that had world champion Anderson Peters missing, the Indian comfortably led the charts with an 89.08m throw, in his first attempt. 
• First Indian to become Diamond League champion: Neeraj Chopra is the first Indian athlete in history to clinch the Diamond League trophy, by winning the Zurich Diamond League 2022 Final. The Indian ace recorded a best throw of 88.44m to beat Tokyo 2020 silver medallist and 2016 champion Jakub Vadlejch to the title.
• First Indian to become world champion: Neeraj Chopra became India's first world champion after he clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest with an effort of 88.17m. It was Neeraj Chopra's second straight medal at the world championships after his silver at Oregon 2022.

Also Read: India at Olympics: India's Olympic medal tally by every edition

Neeraj Chopra Records: Best throws at major competitions

World Athletics has earlier announced that athletes should wear shoes with a uniform 20-millimeter sole thickness limit for all events. This rule will come into action on November 1st, 2024, marking a notable change in the actions of the athletes.

This rule has been induced to welcome fairness in the game. However, this has sparked controversies. While many athletes have accepted it, some are still in dilemmas about the rule.

Well, let's look at how the rule will impact the performance. However, for now, let's look at the present thickness.

Current Shoe Sole Thickness Rules in Athletics

Presently, there is no such uniformity of sole thickness. Thickness normally varies according to the events in which the athletes participate.

Suppose, in events where an athlete will have run more than 800 meters, shoes are allowed to have a sole up to 25 mm. However, when it comes to shorter distances, the maximum thickness has been limited to 20 mm.

For field events, including the high jump, athletes have a 20mm limit. But for the triple jump, athletes are allowed to wear shoes with soles up to 25mm.

These rules were implemented in January 2022, based on the technological advancements in shoes. However, from 1st November this year, there will be no distinction in sole thickness in different events.

Point to be noted: the rules for road events like marathons and race walks, which permit a 40mm sole thickness, will remain unchanged.

Why is World Athletics enforcing a 20mm sole limit?

The main motto of World Athletics is to ensure fairness. As a result of this, the federation has decided to apply the rule of a uniform 20mm limit to the sole.

In recent years, advances in shoe technology—particularly with thicker soles and carbon fiber plates—have sparked debates about whether these shoes offer athletes some unfair advantage.

Thus, World Athletics created its own Working Group on Athletic Shoes in 2020. The main task of this group is to analyze the impact of shoe technology on performance. They also draft regulations, ensuring that athletes are focusing more on skills and not technology.

The new rule was announced well in advance to give shoe manufacturers ample time to adapt their designs.

Athletes' Reactions to the 20mm Rule Change

Top athletes have had mixed reactions to the upcoming rule. Joshua Cheptegei, the Olympic and World Champion in the 10,000 meters, supports the change, describing it as "for the benefit of the sport."

He added that the thinner soles won’t necessarily lead to slower times, emphasizing that performance is often influenced by an athlete's mindset. Cheptegei also noted that recent shoe technology has aided recovery between training sessions, which could be impacted by the new regulations.

Meanwhile, Muktar Edris, a former two-time 5,000m World Champion, said that a thicker sole helps the athletes, providing them extra "energy" and "push." A reduced sole may hamper a regular action.

The Controversy Surrounding Shoe Technology

The controversy regarding shoe technology is nothing new. Before 2022, the track spikes had soles with thicknesses up to 30 mm.

During the Tokyo Olympics, legendary sprinter Usain Bolt brought this issue to the public, citing the unfair advantage an athlete may receive due to thicker boots. Not only that, but with the increased use of technologically advanced shoes, world records that looked unbreakable are at stake.

Karsten Warholm, the one who holds the World Record in 400m hurdles, also expressed his concern. After winning the gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, he questioned the boots of the runner-up, Rai Benjamin.

Warholm made serious claims that Benjamin used thicker Nike soles that provided the later an unfair advantage. Warholm's remarks not only concerned the federation but drew attention to the fine line between technological innovation and "technological doping."

The Impact of Shoe Technology on Performance

Eliud Kipchoge, the first athlete who broke the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019, sparked controversies at his time as well. He used the Nike Alphafly, which featured thick soles and carbon plates. However, the nature of the event didn't let that record count. 

Later, World Athletics introduced a rule. It required the new shoes to be in the open market for at least four months prior to the competition. This rule also aspired to thwart athletes with exclusive shoe deals from gaining an unfair advantage.

Will the 20mm sole limit affect athlete performance?

It is not exactly negative, but the athletes will solely depend on their physical abilities and techniques. Yes, a few athletes do consider this to hurt their performance, but just like Cheptegei mentioned, mental resilience and training will play a crucial role in breaking records or achieving personal bests (PB).

Well, a reduced cushion in the sole will demand more energy from the athlete. Thus, athletes need to adjust their training regimes to adapt to the new rules.

World Athletics had mentioned clearly that they want to promote uniformity. They want the athletes to rely on their power and skills, not some technology beneath their feet, that will change and evolve with time. 

However, with shoe manufacturers rushing to adapt their designs, the real test will come when athletes compete under the new regulations in 2024.

The Indian Premier League is a high-profile, cash-rich league that not only opened doors for the national limelight but has provided financial stability to many undiscovered talents. Players getting selected and jumping out of their comforting sofas out of joy is a very usual scene each and every time the hammer hits after a high bid.

This league has religiously followed its slogan, "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi,” which translates to “Where talent meets opportunity.” Talents like Rinku Singh, T. Natarajan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Chetan Sakaria, etc. had received ample financial gain due to IPL participation.

However, there will be another name on the list of rejuvination: Amir Ali. Yes, of course, he is none from cricket but from another sport from India, Hockey, that once used to be popular. The 20-year-old young prodigy Amir, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, the state of Lalit Upadhyay, got his name in the Team Gonasika for a whopping 34 lakhs in the Hockey India League (HIL).

Who is Amir Ali?

When did Amir start his hockey journey? Idealy, it is at the age of 10, when a senior coach, Rashid Aziz Khan, noticed him at the KD Singh Babu Stadium. Khan used to mentor and groom the local young talents. Eventually, Ali resided in the same locality and got spotted. 

Amil Ali, however, has another identity—a helper to his father, Tasawar Ali, in his garage. Senior Ali is a motorcycle mechanic, having a small "tin briefcase" in the name of a garage "outside the main gate of the Jal Nigam office.”

Recently, he has been named as the captain for the 18-member Indian junior team in the 12th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup. The team coached by PR Sreejesh will tour Malaysia as the tournament will start on October 19.

India will begin their campaign against Japan on Oct 19, followed by matches against Great Britain (October 20), host Malaysia (October 22), Australia (October 23), and New Zealand (October 25). The top 2 teams will fight for the title on October 26th. 

Not only that, he is a promising face and is present regularly in the senior camp as a face in the team rebuilding plan.

The father-son partnership; the understanding between "hunar" and passion.

Amir Ali, the eldest of five sibling, had to join his father's business. May be it was a career option to him, or out of responsibility as a son, he stood by his father, believing it was "not one man's job."

Like the engines, his schedule was heavy too. He juggled between three roles a day—a student in the morning, a mechanic in the afternoon, and a hockey player in the evening. 

Like his hockey training started in 10, he started servicing bikes when he was just 12 years old. His father strongly believes, ‘yeh hunar hona chahiye.' The brothers must possess the skill, and they do so as all of them worked in the garage, as Amir does whenever he is at home. 

However, Tasawar never forced Amir to simply stick with education and garage. Rather, he arranged money for Amir's training. There were times when senior Ali borrowed money to meet Amir's sporting needs, while Amir skipped training to help his father in the garage.

But then he got selected in Saifai's Major Dhyan Chand Sports College. This not only facilitated his training but also eased the burden of his father in terms of providing hockey supplies.

Once a fan, now a colleague to Manpreet Singh

Thanks to Amir Ali for letting the fans know that craze has no limitations when it comes to sport. Yes, cricket dominating the Indian periphery is an undisputed truth, but there are lads like Amir Ali who won't think twice before 12 killometers, at the age of 10, just to watch Manpreet Singh playing for Ranchi!

The young Manpreet Singh was a part of the Ranchi Rhinos in the first phase of the Hockey India League. Amir looked upon him like an idol and never missed any HIL match where Manpreet played.

The former captain and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Manpreet, however, is now a teammate to the young Amir Ali. The Visakhapatnam franchise had stolen Manpreet for Rs 42 lakh, with Amir at 34 lakhs next to him.

The Ray of Hope

Leagues are often criticized as an open platform of commercialization. And there is no point of denying the fact. But what's wrong if commercialization lets art get exposed?

There are thousands and lakhs of Amir Ali's who have restricted themselves within the garage. A heavy pay check will encourage many young talents to take up this sport as a means of profession. Even if they do not break out into the national team, the bench won't stay empty.

League will provide them with the required limelight needed for being the talk of the town, as seen in cricket and other sports. Unlimited competition will come into the scene, hoping talents like Amir Ali can cope with it.

Restraining IPL-like criticisms

At certain point, things look exaggerating when people will bring huge and heavy names like Dhyan Chand or his son Ashok Kumar; KD Singh Babu or Mohammad Shahid; Zafar Iqbal or RP Singh behind young Amir's name.

Critiques will try to put him in their shoes, ignoring his beautifully crafted cut with the stick while beating the opposition's press. They will set aside his tacking skills but will remind him about Lalit and other names his state gifted to the Indian Hockey.

That's what critics do—forcefully trying to fit a Rishabh Pant in M.S. Dhoni's shoes, not letting him be himself, and definitely crashing the self-confidence!

Or bringing back flashbacks of his family struggles—how a basic smartphone was beyond his prescribed luxary—similar to how every time someone drags Jaiswal's struggles every time he smashes a good fifty or a century!

Let Amir's talents prevail. Let his stick do the talking, not his upbringing or the whatever legacy his state holds.  

There are only a few days left for Paris Olympics 2024 to start. Veteran players from all over the world are now making final preparations to win medals for their country. A total of 117 athletes will be seen representing India in the Olympics. The contingent has some young faces who will be making their debut while some players will be playing in their last Olympics. So, let's take a look at the 6 Indian players who will be featuring in their last Olympics in Paris.

Also Read: Most Olympic Games without any medal: Monaco, Myanmar and Bangladesh in top 30

#1 Achanta Sharath Kamal

Achanta Sharath Kamal is arguably the greatest table tennis player to have graced the court representing the Indian tri-color. He will be featured in his fifth and likely his last Olympic games as he takes charge at the Paris Olympics 2024. Sharath Kamal has been selected as the flag bearer along with PV Sindhu by the Indian Olympic Committee. Born on July 12, 1982, Sharath Kamal has just recently turned 42 and will be one of the oldest athletes to participate in the Olympics. 

In his 22-year-long career, Sharath Kamal has won eight gold, three silver, and three bronze medals in Commonwealth Games. Apart from CWG's success, Sharath Kamal boasts the record of being the only player to have won the Senior National Championships for a total of 10 times. Sharath Kamal has also won two bronze medals at the Asian Games and three bronze medals at the Asian Championships.

Despite his tremendous record at the National level and in Asia, Sharath Kamal has yet to win a medal at the Olympic Games.

#2 Rohan Bopanna

Tennis superstar Rohan Bopanna will be participating in men's doubles alongside Sriram Balaji at the Paris Olympics 2024. He recently became the oldest player to be ranked number one in men's doubles. This will be Bopanna's last Olympics as the 44-year-old is the oldest member of the Indian contingent with the table tennis player Sharath Kamal being the closest as the 42-year-old. 

Since turning pro in 2003 Bopanna has been one of the flag-bearers of Indian tennis. Bopanna also has won the French Open (mixed doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski). Recently Bopanna won the Australian Open Grand Slam in January and reached the semi-finals at the French Open in June. He represented India at the London 2012 Games and Rio 2016 but an injury denied him the chance to feature at the Tokyo Olympics.

Also Read: Top 10 Indian athletes who can win a medal at Paris Olympics 2024

#3 HS Prannoy

HS Prannoy, who will be making his first appearance at the Olympics, is determined to fulfill his dream of competing on the Olympics stage, even though it has come later in his career than he might have hoped.

At 32, an age when many badminton players consider retirement, Prannoy put together his best year on the circuit to become India’s No.1 shuttler, a feat he had never achieved previously. The man from Kerala is known to be one of the best Indian players to pick up the racquet. A world championship and Asian Games medalist, HS Prannoy was a crucial part of the Thomas Cup-winning Indian team in 2022. In 2023, he ended India's wait of 41 years to win a medal in the men's singles category at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. He also won the silver medal at the inaugural edition of the Youth Olympics in 2010 in Singapore.

#4 PR Sreejesh

A veteran of three Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Cups, PR Sreejesh will be playing his fourth Olympic Games and probably his last, joining legends like Dhanraj Pillay who have represented the Indian team four times at the Olympic Games.

Having made his debut at the 2010 World Cup, Sreejesh has been part of various memorable wins for India, which include a Bronze medal in Jakarta-Palembang, joint winning team of the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, Gold medal winning team of the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals in Bhubaneswar and Silver medal winning team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The 36-year-old goalie was one of the main architects of India's historic Bronze medal win at the Tokyo Olympics.

Also Read: India at Olympics: India's Olympic medal tally by every edition

#5 Vinesh Phogat

Making a strong comeback to the international arena after leading a prolonged protest against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat locked the Paris Olympics quota. The 29-year-old Vinesh has secured her third straight Olympic quota, having featured in the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 edition Tokyo.

The road to Paris was not easy for Vinesh Phogat. The Indian wrestler had to drop down from the 53 kg to the 50 kg weight category to compete in the event, as Antim Panghal had already secured a berth in the former category. Vinesh also underwent knee surgery, which could affect her performance in the relatively unfamiliar category she has opted for in the Paris Olympics.

#6 Manpreet Singh

India midfielder Manpreet Singh has hinted that the Paris Olympics could end up being his last one as India looks for another medal in men's hockey. 32-year-old Manpreet, who will be playing his 4th Olympics, captained the side when they broke a 41-year-old Olympic medal drought in Tokyo by bagging the bronze. Besides, Manpreet has been a member of the team that won the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games gold medals.

But the journey from Mithapur village in Jalandhar to Paris has not been smooth sailing for Manpreet. He had to fight poverty, false allegations and witness mother’s struggles to make a mark in his career. After the Tokyo Olympics, Manpreet had to endure the worst phase of his career when former coach Sjoerd Marijne leveled serious allegations against him.

Manpreet is no longer captain of the side with Harmanpreet Singh taking over the responsibility, but the star mid-fielder knows his role in the team as one of the senior-most member.