- विज्ञापन -
Varanasi, June 23: Lalit Upadhyay, who was part of the medal-winning Indian hockey team at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, retired from international hockey on June 22. Arjun Awardee Lalit shared this information by posting on social media. However, he will continue to play domestic and league matches. Currently, he is busy in the Pro Hockey League going on in Belgium.
Lalit wrote- Today I announce my retirement from international hockey. This is a difficult moment, but every player has to face it one day. Representing the country has been the biggest honor and pride of my life. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Father said- Son has reached this position through struggles
His Father, Satish, said that we came to know from the newspaper in the morning that our son has retired. We are happy with his every decision. He has reached this position through struggles.
Lalit Upadhyay has been one of the experienced players of the Indian hockey team, remembering the initial coach Parmanand Mishra.
He represented India in many international hockey matches. He contributed to the team’s victory during the Olympics. With his retirement, fans wrote – a glorious chapter of Indian hockey has come to an end. Colleagues have wished Lalit Upadhyay for his bright future.
For his memorable career, Lalit Upadhyay has mentioned coach Parmanand as well as Harinder, Sameer, Dhanraj, etc. as his guides in his journey so far. He remembered his initial coach, Parmanand Mishra. He said that he helped me in playing hockey in the initial days and brought me here.
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. 🙏 @HockeyIndiaLeag @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/OcryhKsYxQ— Lalit Upadhyay (@lalithockey) June 22, 2025
Lalit said- The journey started from a small village
Lalit also wrote on X- My journey started from a small village, where there were limited resources, but dreams were big. From facing a sting operation to standing on the Olympic podium… not once, but twice, it has been a path full of challenges, growth and unforgettable pride. Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something that I will always carry with me with respect and gratitude.
Lalit is a player from Varanasi who has won medals twice in the Olympics
Lalit was the most important forward player of the Indian hockey team that won bronze medal for the country in Tokyo Olympics 2020. After getting the bronze medal, Lalit was also given the Arjuna Award, the highest honor given in the field of sports, in 2021 by the then President Ram Nath Kovind. Apart from this, CM Yogi gave a cash prize of Rs 1 crore to Lalit Upadhyay in a ceremony held in Lucknow. After this, he represented India in the Olympics Paris 2024. In this too, he got bronze medal for India.
