The veteran midfielder, who recently became the most-capped player in Indian hockey history with 413 appearances, said the demands of the sport have increased significantly over the years, making fitness a non-negotiable aspect of a player\u2019s career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you are not fit, you cannot survive in world-class hockey. That\u2019s why I have paid a lot of attention to my fitness,\u201d Manpreet replied to an IANS query during a media interaction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 33-year-old explained that staying competitive in the national setup requires constant improvement, regardless of age or experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs the number of matches increases, I have to increase my fitness as well because if I don\u2019t stay fit, I won\u2019t be able to keep my position in the team,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Manpreet revealed that the coaching staff's message has always been straightforward: performance and selection are closely linked to physical conditioning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is clear from the coach that if you want to stay in the team, you have to stay fit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The experienced midfielder added that maintaining fitness is a year-round commitment, with no room for complacency even during breaks from competition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPersonally, whenever I am on a break or in camps, I continue my fitness routine to stay fit. So what all things will I have to do for that if I want to play for India,and for that, I have worked very hard to keep myself fit. Like in food, what to eat and what not to eat. And I have sacrificed a lot,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For more than a decade and a half, Manpreet has been the heartbeat of Indian hockey -- the relentless engine in midfield, the leader in moments of pressure, and the embodiment of consistency at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPersonally, whenever I am on a break or in camps, I continue my fitness routine to stay fit. So what all things will I have to do for that if I want to play for India,and for that, I have worked very hard to keep myself fit. Like in food, what to eat and what not to eat. And I have sacrificed a lot,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 33-year-old is the only active player in world hockey with over 400 caps, underlining not only his longevity but also an extraordinary level of consistency and excellence sustained over 15 years at the highest level, in which his fitness has played a major role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n