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Double Olympic Medalist Lalit Upadhyay Retires From International Hockey
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Upadhyay has amassed an impressive 179+ caps and over 40 goals across a decade-long national career.
Two-time Olympic medalist and Indian forward Lalit Upadhyay announced his retirement from international hockey on Sunday after India finished its FIH Pro League season with a 4-3 win over Belgium.
Capping off a stellar career, Lalit formally announced his retirement from international hockey on Olympic Day, June 23, 2025.
He closed a chapter highlighted by two Olympic medals, multiple continental victories, and nearly 180 caps for India.
The 31-year-old double Olympic medallist took to social media to reveal his decision to the masses.
Today, I announce my retirement from international a tough moment, but one every athlete must face one has been the greatest honour and pride of my life to represent our country 🇮🇳🙏Thank you for everything. 🙏 @HockeyIndiaLeag @TheHockeyIndia — Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) June 22, 2025
'Today, I announce my retirement from international hockey. It's a tough moment, but one every athlete must face one day. It has been the greatest honour and pride of my life to represent our country. Thank you for everything," wrote Lalit from his official X handle.
Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lalit, who made his debut for India in 2014, eventually emerged as one of India's most accomplished field hockey players.
Despite an early setback in 2008—when a sting operation wrongly implicated him in corruption—Lalit was undeterred. With support from coach Paramanand Mishra and former captain Dhanraj Pillay (who secured him a place with Air India), Upadhyay overcame the crisis by rebuilding his career through sheer skill and determination.
A key figure in India's international pursuits, he helped the team clinch gold at the 2016 and 2018 Asian Champions Trophies, and the 2017 Asia Cup, where he scored four goals. He also contributed to medals in the 2017 World League Final (bronze) and the 2018 Champions Trophy (silver).
Upadhyay has amassed an impressive 179+ caps and over 40 goals across a decade-long national career.
On the Olympic stage, Lalit played a pivotal role in India's historic bronze-medal wins at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—marking back-to-back Olympic podium finishes after a 52-year gap.
In recognition of his achievements, Lalit received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2021. Off the field, he has served as a Deputy Superintendent of Police with the Uttar Pradesh Police since 2022.
First Published:
June 23, 2025, 07:30 IST
