When Udita lifted the Women’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 trophy with SG Pipers, it marked the pinnacle of a remarkable season for her team.
But the significance of that moment stretched well beyond the podium. Watching from the sidelines of the men’s competition was her husband, Mandeep Singh, the Ranchi Royals attacker who now finds his own title ambitions sharpened by her success.
For Mandeep, the sight of Udita holding the trophy was more than a proud personal milestone; it was a powerful source of motivation. He admits he had predicted her victory even before the final, yet seeing it unfold brought a wave of emotion. Both husband and wife live and breathe hockey, and both compete in the Hero Hockey India League, making her triumph resonate even deeper within their shared professional world.
Rather than adding pressure, Udita’s achievement has injected renewed energy into Mandeep’s campaign. There is a playful acknowledgment between them that expectations have risen, but Mandeep sees it as the right kind of pressure. Ranchi Royals have found form at the right time, winning back-to-back matches and positioning themselves firmly in the playoff race. With momentum building, Mandeep believes his own opportunity to lift the trophy is very much alive.
The idea of both partners winning titles in the same season has already been discussed at home. Married last year, the couple entered 2026 with a clear promise to give everything to their respective teams. Udita has already fulfilled her part of that pact. For Mandeep, the dream of a double celebration is now tangible, and the thought of beginning the year with shared silverware carries special significance for their family.
On the field, Udita’s medal is never far from Mandeep’s thoughts. He speaks openly about how it pushes him to perform better, to score goals, and to help his team win crucial matches. The pride he feels in her achievement fuels a desire to earn the same admiration in return. That emotional connection, he believes, has sharpened his focus during matches and heightened his determination in decisive moments.
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Off the pitch, their life revolves around a routine that would be familiar to elite athletes but is intensified by the fact that both partners compete at the highest level. Training sessions, gym work, and evening practice are shared experiences, with hockey forming the backbone of their daily lives. There is little separation between personal and professional spheres, but for them, that constant immersion is a source of strength rather than fatigue.
As the men’s league edges closer to the knockout phase, Udita has taken on an additional role as confidante and advisor. Daily conversations about matches, performances, and pressure have become a fixture of their relationship. She offers honest feedback, highlights areas for improvement, and reinforces belief when the stakes rise. For Mandeep, that reassurance carries immense value, especially in a league where margins are fine and confidence can dictate outcomes.
When asked to define Udita’s greatest strength, Mandeep points first to her mindset. Her mental toughness, he says, sets her apart and was a decisive factor in SG Pipers’ title run. That same resilience is something he aims to mirror as Ranchi Royals push toward the business end of the season.
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As the Hero Men’s HIL 2025–26 heads toward its climax, Mandeep Singh’s pursuit of the trophy has become inseparable from a shared household dream one already half realised. Should he succeed, the moment will represent more than a championship. It will stand as a testament to partnership, mutual inspiration, and a season where Indian hockey’s power couple transformed individual ambition into collective belief.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
