Why Did Hockey India Congratulate Lalit Upadhyay on His Retirement?

New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) Hockey India has graciously expressed its congratulations to veteran forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay as he declared his retirement from international hockey, marking the end of a distinguished career that lasted over a decade—from 2014 to 2025.

Lalit, who is originally from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, shared his decision via a heartfelt social media post soon after India’s concluding match in the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 season against Belgium. Even though he participated in four matches during the tour, his last appearance in the Indian jersey was against Australia on June 15.

Throughout his career, Lalit played a total of 183 matches for India at the senior level, netting 67 goals. He became a reliable figure in India’s forward lineup, celebrated for his adaptability, tactical awareness, and composed demeanor in crucial moments.

From his debut at the 2014 Hockey World Cup to two Olympic podium finishes, Lalit’s journey reflects some of Indian hockey's most significant achievements in contemporary history.

He played a pivotal role in the squad that made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, aiding India in securing a long-awaited Bronze medal, and repeated this success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, solidifying his status as a clutch performer.

In addition to the Olympics, Lalit was vital in India’s triumphs at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup—where he scored four goals—and several other podium finishes. His illustrious career is adorned with a bronze at the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final 2017, silver at the FIH Men’s Champions Trophy 2018, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, and gold at the 2018 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy. He was also part of the teams that achieved third place in the FIH Pro League 2021-22 and won gold at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou.

In appreciation of his contributions to Indian hockey, Lalit received the Arjuna Award in 2021.

Reflecting on Lalit’s impact, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey stated, “Lalit has been one of the most graceful and dedicated forwards of his generation. Whether it was a crucial Olympic match or a league game, he always donned the Indian jersey with pride and played with heart. His journey from the narrow lanes of Varanasi to Olympic success is truly inspirational. We extend our gratitude for his selfless dedication to Indian hockey and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh praised Lalit’s significant contributions, remarking, “Lalit has been a true ambassador of the sport—humble off the field yet fearless on it. His consistency, skill, and big-match temperament established him as a cornerstone of the team across multiple Olympic cycles. He will be remembered not only for his goals but also for the energy and positivity he brought to the squad. Hockey India is proud of his accomplishments and will continue to honor his legacy.”