Since making his debut in 2018, striker Dilpreet Singh has consistently been a key figure in the Indian men’s hockey team, regardless of which coach was at the helm, be it Sjoerd Marijne, Harendra Singh, Graham Reid, or now, Craig Fulton.
Hailing from Punjab, Dilpreet showcased remarkable skill from a young age, quickly establishing himself as a future star in India’s forward line. His stellar debut year in 2018 saw him contribute to India’s silver at the Champions Trophy, a bronze at the Asian Games, and victory at the Asian Champions Trophy.
He further solidified his place by helping end India’s 41-year Olympic medal drought, playing a vital role in securing a bronze in Tokyo, notably scoring in the 3-1 quarter-final victory over Great Britain.
However, fitness and discipline issues saw the Arjuna awardee dropped in 2022. When Fulton took charge in 2023, Dilpreet’s fitness was again under scrutiny.
Dilpreet, now 25, expressed his disappointment: “Missing major events like the Commonwealth Games, World Cup, and Olympics was tough. Winning an Olympic medal pushes you to aim for another. Not being selected for the Paris Olympics was a tough phase with many ups and downs.”
His resolve to bounce back was tested when he sustained hamstring and quadriceps injuries in 2023. Ignoring the severity initially, his injuries worsened, requiring a three-month rest period. “In a physical sport like hockey, a long rest sets you back significantly,” he admitted.
Upon his 2024 return, Dilpreet dedicated himself to improving his fitness and skills, training rigorously and sticking to routines set by India’s scientific advisor, Alan Tan. The support from his teammates and coach Fulton also proved invaluable.
After months of hard work, Dilpreet rejoined the team for the 2024 Pro League, playing 11 out of 16 matches. His performance earned him a spot in the Asia Cup squad, over other seasoned players.
Determined to advance further, Dilpreet continues to enhance his fitness. “In this sport, only those who are fit can succeed at the top. My fitness has greatly improved, with my Yo-Yo test scores now ranging from 21.1 to 21.4,” said Dilpreet, who boasts 103 international caps.
Eager to contribute to India’s success, Dilpreet is set to confront defending champions South Korea in the Super 4s during the Asia Cup.