New Delhi, March 27 -- Indian hockey stalwart and Olympic medalist Manpreet Singh said that the Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey wants him to break his record to become the most capped Indian player and has encouraged him to continue as long as possible.

Manpreet, who made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2011, is just two appearances away from becoming the most capped Indian hockey player of all time with 413 appearances, overtaking hockey legend and current Hockey India president Tirkey's tally of 412. The 33-year-old was speaking during the Hockey India Annual Awards in New Delhi on Friday.

Speaking to the media during the award show, Manpreet said, "Tirkey wants me to break his record and become the first ever Indian to play 500 ma...