Mandeep Singh (Hockey)

Some Lesser Known Facts About Mandeep Singh

• Mandeep was inspired to play hockey by his elder brother when he was five years old, as his brother also played hockey.

• Mandeep trained at the Surjit Hockey Academy in his hometown Jalandhar, which has produced brilliant players like Jugraj Singh and Manpreet Singh.

• Mandeep was purchased at the first-ever Hockey India League auction by the Ranchi Rhinos franchise for a winning bid of $13,000 on 16 December 2012.

• On 16th January 2013, Mandeep made his debut for the Rhinos against the Punjab Warriors at the Surjit Hockey Stadium. This marked Ranchi’s debut Hockey India League match. Mandeep’s contribution included scoring the second goal for the team 50 minutes into the game, ultimately leading the Rhinos to a 2–1 victory.

• Mandeep made his international debut for the India men’s national field hockey team on 18 February 2013. He joined his fellow Surjit Academy player, Manpreet Singh, in the national team.

• By the end of the first season of the Hockey India League, Mandeep scored 10 goals in the thirteen matches he played for the Ranchi Rhinos making him the second highest scorer in the league.

• In 2015, he was purchased and transferred to the Delhi Waveriders.

• Mandeep achieved his first international goal on 20th February 2013 against Oman, scoring 42 minutes into the game as India secured a 9-1 victory.

• Mandeep entered into a relationship with Udita Duhan during the COVID-19 lockdown in India. They reportedly spent hours on calls motivating each other during the lockdown.

• In 2023, Mandeep was not part of the starting lineup in the FIH Pro League. There were rumours that he had been dropped from the team, but he clarified that he had been rested and not dropped to give new and young players a chance to play.
  

  Yes, I was told that I was rested not dropped (from the FIH Pro League team). I am looking forward to return to the team. I think some younger players are being tried and tested.”

• Mandeep is an animal lover and owns three dogs named Leo, Bosco & Pablo.

• Mandeep was incredibly passionate about playing hockey from a young age, and after coming home from school, he would often skip meals and head straight to practice because he loved the sport so much.