Antwerp, June 15 -- As the sun dipped behind the stands of Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp and the Indian national anthem played once again, there stood a familiar figure--poised, composed, with eyes filled with purpose. For the 400th time, hockey icon Manpreet Singh walked out wearing the India jersey, adding his name to an elite list of legends who have graced the world stage with unwavering consistency and heart.

In that moment, Manpreet wasn't just a player lining up against Australia in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25--he was a symbol of longevity, leadership, and an era that has seen Indian hockey return to global reckoning.

The 33-year-old midfielder from Punjab, a place synonymous with Indian hockey folklore, now stands as the seco...