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India Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Upadhyay retires from international hockey
Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Kumar Upadhyay announced his retirement from international hockey on Sunday, bringing to a close a decorated career that spanned over a decade and transformed him from a small-town dreamer into one of India's most dependable announcement came shortly after India wrapped up their FIH Pro League season with a thrilling 4-3 win over Belgium. The 31-year-old, who hails from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, skill and two historic Olympic bronze medals-Tokyo 2020 and Paris journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams. From facing a sting operation to standing on the Olympic podium - not once, but twice - it's been a path full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable pride. Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honour and gratitude," Lalit wrote in an emotional post on his social media 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 countryThank you for everything. @HockeyIndiaLeag @TheHockeyIndia Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) June 22, 2025 Upadhyay, who made his senior international debut in 2014, amassed more than 179 caps and scored over 40 goals for India. He was widely admired for his slick stick-work, attacking creativity and commitment on the pitch. Yet, his path to success was anything but 2008, at just 17, Lalit found himself at the centre of a controversial sting operation aimed at exposing corruption in Indian hockey. Though later exonerated, the fallout saw him dropped from the national programme, leaving his career in tatters. The setback almost led him to quit the sport with the guidance of his first coach Shri Parmanand Mishra and the unwavering support of former India captain Dhanraj Pillay-who helped him secure a contract with Air India in 2010-Lalit began to rebuild. His revival continued in 2014 with a job at BPCL, courtesy of Tushar Khandker, and a stint with the Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India soon became a vital cog in India's midfield, contributing to major continental victories including gold medals at the 2016 and 2018 Asian Champions Trophies, and the 2017 Asia Cup. He also helped India win bronze at the 2017 Hockey World League Final and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy."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," Lalit posted from his official X his farewell note, Lalit acknowledged the many individuals and institutions that played key roles in his journey. "To my first coach Shri Parmanand Mishra, who introduced me to hockey and built my foundation. To Harender Sir, who gave me my first break by picking me in Air India. To Sameer Bhai and Dhanraj Sir, who mentored me with care and belief during that time. To BPCL, for offering me a job and giving me 8 meaningful years of work and growth. To my friends and teammates, who made the journey unforgettable. To Hockey India for giving me the opportunity to wear the national jersey. And to the state government, for honouring my journey by appointing me as a DSP - a responsibility I hold with pride."But perhaps the most touching tribute was reserved for his teammate and current India captain, Harmanpreet Singh. "Hockey has given me everything, and you're one of its greatest gifts, brother," wrote with the Arjuna Award in 2021, Lalit's story is one of grit, grace and redemption. His contribution to Indian hockey transcends statistics-he has inspired a generation of players from humble backgrounds to believe that with perseverance and passion, even the toughest setbacks can be overcome
News18
10 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Double Olympic Medalist Lalit Upadhyay Retires From International Hockey
Last Updated: 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
The Hindu
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Indian forward Lalit Upadhyay retires from International hockey
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. The 31-year-old double Olympic medallist took to social media to reveal his decision He wrote, '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.' 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. 🙏 @HockeyIndiaLeag@ — Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) June 22, 2025 Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lalit made his international debut in 2014 and played a pivotal role in Indian's historic bronze medal finish in 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Four years later, he was also part of the India bronze medal winning squad at Paris 2024 Olympics. In 179 international appearances, Lalit has scored 41 goals for the country.
