Odisha men

Hockey World League Final: Hockey India on Monday extended heartfelt congratulations to veteran forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay as he announced his retirement from international hockey, bringing the curtains down on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade—from 2014 to 2025.

Lalit, who hails from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, announced his decision through a heartfelt social media post shortly after India’s final match of the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 season against Belgium. Though he featured in four matches during the tour, his final appearance in the Indian jersey came against Australia on June 15.

Lalit played 183 matches for India at the senior level, scoring 67 goals. Over the years, he became a trusted name in India’s forward line, known for his versatility, on-field intelligence, and calm demeanour in high-pressure situations.