The Indian men’s hockey team was all smiles in Rajgir on Saturday evening, celebrating a thumping 7-0 win over China to storm into the Asia Cup final against defending champions South Korea. Among those basking in the joy was striker Mandeep Singh, posing for selfies with fans, his trademark grin intact. But his thoughts wandered elsewhere.
Even amid the cheers Mandeep wanted to know the score of the women’s Asia Cup clash in Hangzhou between India and Japan. With a mix of eagerness and concern, he asked in Punjabi: “Paaji, oh kudiyan de match da ki baneya?” (What happened in the women’s game?). His curiosity was natural — playing in that team was his wife, Udita.
From Friendship to Family
The couple tied the knot on 21 March this year, their bond blossoming during the Covid lockdown in 2019 when both men’s and women’s teams trained together at the SAI Centre, Bengaluru. Now, as Mandeep chases continental glory in Rajgir, Udita is anchoring India’s defence in Hangzhou. For both, hockey remains not just a career but also the language of their relationship.
Hockey Talks Across Time Zones
India’s women had opened their campaign with a resounding 11-0 win over Thailand before playing out a 2-2 draw with Japan. On learning the result, Mandeep smiled and shared how hockey dominates their long-distance conversations.
We are in slightly different time zones but still we talk because that’s important for us. On hockey, we talk like teachers. We tell each other mistakes, good things, and areas to improve.
He laughed when asked about their dynamic.
“Bilkul daant paindi hai. Wife toh thoda darna painda (Of course, I get scolded; one is always afraid of the wife),” he joked, before adding, “But jokes apart, our understanding is great. The best part is, we know how to fix things.”
Olympians in Love
With two Olympians in one household, the legacy is already shining. Mandeep has won two Olympic bronze medals (Tokyo and Paris), while Udita was part of the squad that scripted history with a fourth-place finish in Tokyo.
Every family is proud when their son or daughter represents India at the Olympics. Udita and I both have made our families proud.
Udita, with 129 international caps, is among India’s most reliable defenders. Her stature was evident at the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League auction last year, where she was signed for a record ₹32 lakh by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. Mandeep, boasting 272 caps and 124 goals, has carved out his own reputation as India’s most trusted finisher.
A Punjabi Connection
Beyond hockey, culture helped strengthen their bond. “She knows everything about Punjabi culture. She speaks Punjabi too — right from when we were just friends. So, settling into the family was easy for her,” Mandeep revealed proudly.
Looking Ahead
As the couple juggles personal milestones and professional goals, their eyes remain firmly on the future.
I have my eyes on the 2026 World Cup. Madam da pata ni (I don’t know about Udita). She has the freedom to decide her own path.
For now, the Asia Cup has them playing on different turfs, but the common thread is clear: hockey binds them, both as teammates in spirit and as partners in life.
