India's dominant 7-1 victory over Pakistan in the FIH Hockey Pro League on June 26 was the perfect birthday gift for former captain Manpreet Singh, his mother Manjit Kaur said on Saturday. The win, one of India's most emphatic against their arch-rivals, turned a day of prayer and anxiety into immense pride for the family in Mithapur, Jalandhar.
Mother's pride and prayers
Manjit Kaur began the day with a Sukhmani Sahib path at the village gurdwara, praying for her son's well-being and the team's success. However, the match started with a setback as Pakistan scored first, leaving her worried. But India quickly took control, storming to a 7-1 victory that turned her anxiety into joy.
“I got nervous when Pakistan scored first because they looked to be dominating the game. But our boys soon took charge and kept Pakistan at bay. Watching India score seven goals against Pakistan filled me with immense pride and happiness,” she said.
Family celebration after victory
After the match, Manpreet joined his family via video call and cut his birthday cake with teammates. The victory added to the celebrations, making the day even more special for the family.
Reflecting on her son's journey, Manjit Kaur recalled her initial fears about hockey. “When Manpreet started playing hockey at the age of 10, I used to get worried that he would get injured. I even scolded and beat him up at times so that he would stop playing. It was only after his coach convinced the family of his potential that we allowed him to continue,” she said.
From fear to pride
Today, Manjit Kaur says the fear has been replaced by pride. Wherever she goes, people recognize her as Manpreet Singh's mother, a feeling she describes as her greatest happiness. The pride has also strengthened her resolve to encourage other children in the village to take up sports.
“I tell every young boy around me to choose sports instead of falling into drugs and make the country proud. I even help those who want to play by giving them hockey sticks and boots. I want more children from Mithapur to bring glory to the village,” she said.
Manpreet's ambitions remain undiminished
Despite becoming India's most-capped hockey player, Manpreet's ambitions remain undiminished, his mother said. He wants to play 500 international matches and five Olympics, Manjit Kaur said, adding that his dream is to keep making the country proud through his performances.
