Last Updated:
Fresh off a hat-trick against Bangladesh, Mandeep Singh sent a strong message to critics, declaring that retirement isn’t on his mind as he targets a place at the 2028 Olympics.
India’s Mandeep Singh celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Korea (Picture credit: PTI)
Star Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh has said that he is still fit and is improving day by day, adding that he has his eyes all set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and has no wish to hang up his boots.
Mandeep silenced his critics with a hat-trick against Bangladesh on Tuesday, making a strong statement after reports identified him as one of four senior players, alongside Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma, all set to be phased out after the Asian Champions Trophy.
While Nilakanta announced on Tuesday that he would retire after the tournament, Mandeep and Jarmanpreet expressed their desire to continue playing.
“Of course the goal is LA (Olympics). I am maintaining my body; I am still fit and improving day by day. I will try my best to play as long as I am fit. I might have scored the hat-trick, but for me it is a team goal,” Mandeep said while speaking to PTI.
Playing in front of the home crowd on Tuesday, Mandeep delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat-trick, providing two assists and earning multiple penalty corners.
“We have always discussed that when the ball is on your stick, you have to produce an outcome, whether it’s a goal, a penalty corner or an assist,” Mandeep said.
For Punjab’s players, the return of international hockey to the state after 17 years has stirred a sense of nostalgia. The last time Punjab hosted an international tournament was the Gold Cup in 2009.
“All my family members have come here. It is a big thing to play in front of them. It’s a proud feeling. I have been playing for 14 years with the Indian team, but it is my first time I am playing in Punjab, the place where I learnt hockey,” Mandeep said.
India next play China on Thursday at the Surjit Hockey Stadium.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Mandeep Singh stated that he has no intention of hanging up his boots, maintaining that he is fit, improving daily, and setting his sights firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Ask News18October 28, 2026, 20:27 IST
Read More
