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Arjuna Awardee Lalit Upadhyay Retires from International Hockey on Olympic Day.

Sports | Dated: 25 Jun 2025

On 23 June 2025, veteran Indian hockey forward and Arjuna Awardee Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (31) announced his retirement from international hockey—coinciding with Olympic Day—marking the end of a remarkable decade-long career representing India on the world stage.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Lalit Upadhyay featured in 183 international matches, scored 67 goals, and was a key player in India’s bronze-medal wins at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. He also played in three Hockey World Cups and several major tournaments.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) In 2021, he received the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding contributions to hockey. He also represented India in multiple Asian Games—securing two gold medals and one bronze—and earned a silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
  • (ii) Hailing from Bhagatpur village in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lalit's journey from modest beginnings to global podiums is widely praised. He became only the second player from UP to feature in three World Cups, following in legendary footsteps. He also serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in UP.
  • (iii) Following his international retirement—announced after India’s FIH Pro League match on Olympic Day—Lalit plans to focus on strengthening grassroots hockey in Varanasi, mentor young players, and continue playing domestically for the UP Police team.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who recently announced his retirement from international hockey after a decade-long career with the Indian men’s hockey team?

Correct Answer: Lalit Upadhyay

🚀 Quick Recap: