India's Two-Time Olympic Medallist Lalit Upadhyay Announces Retirement From International Hockey

After a dazzling career that lasted more than ten years two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Kumar Upadhyay announced his retirement from international hockey on Sunday. The announcement was made soon after India defeated Belgium 4-3 to conclude their FIH Pro League season.

Lalit was part of the Indian hockey team that won two historic Olympic bronze medals Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Taking to X 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"

In his farewell not Lalit acknowledge all the people who have helped him shape his career. He wrote, "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."

The most touching tribute was reserved for his teammate and current India captain, Harmanpreet Singh who he acknowledge stating, "Hockey has given me everything, and you're one of its greatest gifts, brother,", "

Lalit Upadhay's hockey journey

The 31-year-old made his senior international debut in 2014. Upadhyay went on to score over 40 goals and earn over 179 caps for India. When Lalit was just 17 years old in 2008, he became the focus of a contentious sting operation that exposed corruption in Indian hockey. Despite being cleared later, the fallout caused him to be removed from the national program, ruining his career. He nearly gave up on the sport as a result of the setback.

However, Lalit started to recover under the tutelage of his first coach, Shri Parmanand Mishra, and with the steadfast assistance of former India captain Dhanraj Pillay, who helped him land a deal with Air India in 2010. With a position at BPCL, thanks to Tushar Khandker, and a stint with the Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League, his comeback continued in 2014. He was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021