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Hockey: Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Kumar Upadhyay announces international retirement

Lalith played in four matches of the eight that India played in Europe to close out their 2024-'25 Pro League season.

The 31-year-old from Uttar Pradesh thanked various people who have played a part in his career.. (Hockey India/File)

Indian forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay announced his retirement from international hockey on Sunday, bringing down the curtains on a career that lasted more than a decade and saw him be a part of two Olympic Games bronze medal-winning teams.

“This 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 honor and gratitude,” Lalit posted on his social media accounts.

Lalit played in four matches of the eight that India played in Europe to close out their 2024-’25 Pro League season. The last match he played was against Australia in on 15 June. He has played 183 matches for India in senior international hockey, scoring 67 goals.

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The 31-year-old from Uttar Pradesh thanked various people who have played a part in his career. “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 honoring my journey by appointing me as a DSP — a responsibility I hold with pride.”

But he reserved one final note of thanks to current India captain Harmanpreet Singh, saying, “Hockey has given me everything, and you’re one of its greatest gifts, brother.”

For the talented boy from Varanasi, known for his dodging skills and creative stick-work on the field, the career almost ended before it even began. In 2008, he was used as a bait in a TV sting operation that led to erstwhile IHF being disbanded, and it also ruined Upadhyay’s reputation as he was sidelined from the national programme. Lalit considered quitting hockey just at the age of 17 but kept at it and found his breakthroughs eventually. Dhanraj Pillay got him a contract with Air India in 2010, where he began picking up the pieces. Four years later, former India captain Tushar Khandker helped him get a job at BPCL and around the same time Lalit was picked for Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League as well.

More recently, the forward who has scored some memorable goals through his career, has struggled for consistency and with younger forwards coming through the ranks, has decided to call time. One of those younger forwards, Abhishek, posted on Instagram: “Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring, the dedication, passion, and humility you brought to the game will always be remembered. You’ve left behind a legacy that will continue to guide and motivate the next generation.”