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Will revive hockey in Kashi: Lalit Upadhyaya
Varanasi: Star forward Lalit Upadhyaya, who surprised all by bidding adieu to international hockey immediately after the end of Belgium league on Sunday, on Monday said, "I know I am quitting international hockey at a time when I am at the peak of my career and have two to three years of the game left in me.
But, I am taking this decision as I wish to contribute to the domestic league and revive hockey in Varanasi where many initiatives have been taken to promote the game. Synthetic turfs, too, are being laid at many grounds here to give right exposure to young players." Hinting that his decision was inspired by cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he told TOI over the phone, "When sports icons like Sachin and Dhoni made surprise announcements of their retirement everyone opined that two years of the game were left in their careers as they were at the peak of it.
I also decided to quit when some 'best' is still left in me as I have dreams to contribute to those who supported my rise in the domestic circuit. I also have to contribute to the department's (police) hockey."
Was there anything wrong in the dressing room or any differences that compelled Lalit to retire? "All was well and I was fully enjoying my role and position in Team India. It was my own decision for which I already discussed with my family," replied Lalit.
In his social media post addressed to Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, he has stated: "Hockey has given me everything and you're one of its greatest gifts, brother.
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Hailing from Bhagatpur village in the Shivpur area of Varanasi, Lalit's game was polished in the nursery of Uday Pratap College under the supervision of coach Parmanand Mishra. He carried forward the legacy of dribbling wizard late Mohd Shahid and late Vivek Singh by securing his position in the Indian team.
Winding up his international career at the age of 31 after playing 179 matches for India and scoring 41 goals as a forward, Lalit mentioned in another post, "Standing on the Olympic podium—not once, but twice—it's been a path filled with challenges, growth and unforgettable pride. Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I will always hold with honour and gratitude."
Lalit, who was appointed as deputy superintendent of police in Uttar Pradesh by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in 2022, was awarded the Arjuna Award, the highest honour in the field of sports, in 2021 after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Before that, he received the Laxman Award in 2017. After 2020, he again reached the Olympic podium when the Indian hockey team won a bronze medal again in 2024.
Regarding his future dreams, Lalit said that he would not only be playing in the domestic league and for those who contributed to his rise, but he would also impart his skills and knowledge of hockey to the young and emerging talents of Varanasi. Blue turfs of international standard are being laid at stadiums, including Lalpur and UP College, to make their dreams of becoming part of the Indian team a reality, he added.
