Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Upadhyay retires from worldwide hockey


Two-Time Olympic Medallist Lalit Kumar Upadhyay Introduced His Retirement from Worldwide Hockey on Sunday, Bringing to a Shut a Embellished Care That Spanned Over A Decade and TRANSFORODORED HIMSF Small-City Dreamer Into Certainly one of India’s Most Reliable Forwards.

The announsement got here shortly after India wrapped up their figue season with an exhilarating 4-3 win over belgium. The 31-year-old, who hails from varanasi in uttar pradesh, leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, talent and two Historic Olympic Bronze Medals-Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

“This Journey started in a small village, with restricted assets however limitless goals. From battle a sting a standing to face on the olympic podium – not on, however twice, however twice – it is bee love Development, and Unforgettable Satisfaction. Platforms.

Upadhyay, who made his Senior Worldwide Debut in 2014, Amassed Extra Than 179 Caps and Scored Over 40 Objectives for India. He was broadly admired for his Slick Stick-Work, Attacking Creativity and Dedication on the Pitch. But, His Path to Success was Something however easy.

In 2008, at simply 17, Lalit Discovered Himself on the Centre of a Controversial Sting Operation aimed toward Exposing Corruption in Indian Hockey. Thought Later Exonerated, The Fallout Noticed Him Dropped From The Nationwide Program, Leaving His Profession in Tatters. The setback nearly LED he to stop the game altogeether.

However with the steerage of his first coach Shri Parmanand Mishra and the Unwaveering Assist of Former India Captain Dhanraj Pillay- WHO HELPED HELPED HEM SECURE A CONTRH AIRACT WITH AIRICT AIRINT BEGAN TOLALIT BEGAN TO REBUILIT BENGAN to Rebuild. His revival continued in 2014 with a job at BPCL, Courtesy of Tushar Khandker, and a Stint with the Kalinga Lancers within the Hockey India League.

He Quickly Grew to become A Important Cog in India’s midfield, Contributing to Main Continental Victories Together with Gold Medals on the 2016 and 2018 Asian Champions Trophaies, and the 2017 asia cup. He additionally helped India win bronze on the 2017 Hockey World League Ultimate and Silver on the 2018 champions Trophy.

“Right now, I Announs my retirement from worldwide hockey. It is a robust second, however one each athlete should face at some point. It has been the good Honor and Satisfaction of My Life to represen You for all the things, “Lalit Posted from His Official X Deal with.

In his Farewell Word, Lalit Acknowledded The Many People and Establishments that Performed Key Roles in His Journey. “To my first coach shri parmanand mishra, who launched me to hockey and constructed my basis. With Care and Perception Throughout Time. To BPCL, For Providing Me A Job and Giving Me 8 Which means Alternative to Put on the Nationwide Jersey. And to the state authorities, for honoring my journey by appointing me as a dsp – a response

However Maybe The Most Touching Tribute was reserved for his teammate and present India captain, harmanpreet singh. “Hockey has given me all the things, and also you’re one in all its greenst items, brother,” Wrote Lalit.

Honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021, Lalit’s story is one in all grit, grace and redemption. His Contribution to Indian Hockey Transcends Statistics-He Has Impressed A Technology of Gamers from Humble Backgrounds to Consider That WITH PERSEVERANCE and PASSIONC overcome

Printed by:

Saurabh kumar

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Jun 23, 2025