According to Manpreet, India\u2019s recent performances against top international sides have boosted the team\u2019s confidence ahead of a crucial period that also includes the FIH Pro League and the Asian Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are very excited about the World Cup and the Asian Games because the team\u2019s performance has been very good. I personally have a lot of hope that we will perform very well in the World Cup,\u201d Manpreet replied to IANS query in a media interaction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The veteran midfielder believes the current Indian team has shown encouraging signs in recent outings and is steadily building momentum ahead of the marquee event.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe team\u2019s performance was very good. Our last match against Germany was also very good, and the team performed very well. We lost the first match against the Netherlands, but overall the team\u2019s performance was good,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian men's hockey team produced a solid performance to defeat world champions Germany 3-1 in their second match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 Rotterdam leg on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Goals from Mandeep Singh (7'), Shilanand Lakra (13') and Nilakanta Sharma (35') led India's impressive win, which also highlighted the team's strong defensive structure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Midfielder Hardik Singh was named 'Player of the Match' for his excellent display in shepherding play from the midfield.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Manpreet, the World Cup represents an opportunity for India to end a lengthy wait for success at one of hockey\u2019s biggest tournaments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is important because it has been a long time since we have won a medal in the World Cup, so it is important that we achieve that,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India will also use the upcoming Pro League matches as part of their preparations, with encounters against England and Pakistan carrying added significance as both sides are also part of India\u2019s World Cup group.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAll three tournaments are very important for us. In the Pro League, we will play against England and Pakistan, who are also in our World Cup group. It will be a good opportunity to prepare ourselves,\u201d Manpreet explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While the World Cup remains a major target, the 33-year-old also acknowledged the importance of the Asian Games, which offer direct qualification to the Olympic Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAll three tournaments are very important for us. In the Pro League, we will play against England and Pakistan, who are also in our World Cup group. It will be a good opportunity to prepare ourselves,\u201d Manpreet explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With 413 international appearances, Manpreet now sits fifth on the all-time list of men's international caps, behind Belgium's John-John Dohmen (481), the Netherlands' Teun de Nooijer (453), Australia's Eddie Ockenden (451), and Great Britain's Barry Middleton (432).<\/p>\r\n\r\n