Lalit Upadhyay, the unassuming hero behind India’s back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris, has always believed in leaving on his own terms. True to that philosophy, the prolific forward, renowned for his silken dribbling skills, decided to call time on his international career last month — while still at the peak of his powers.
See, I wanted to leave at a situation when you are asking me if I could have played till next year. I didn’t want to drag my career to a point when you all say, ‘why isn’t he retiring?’
Lalit’s retirement, coming soon after India wrapped up their FIH Pro League commitments, marked the end of another chapter in a golden generation of Indian hockey. Just months earlier, their inspirational goalkeeper PR Sreejesh had also hung up his boots after four Olympics.
Over a glittering decade-long career, Lalit scored 67 goals in 183 appearances for the national team. The Olympic medals in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 helped the eight-time gold medallists exorcise nearly four decades of heartbreak on the sport’s biggest stage. He was also part of the squad that won Asian Games gold, Commonwealth silver, and a bronze at the Asian Champions Trophy.
All I have is gratitude for the Almighty. When India won Olympic gold in Moscow 1980, Mohammed Shahid was the lone representative from Varanasi — a city that had given hockey greats like him, Vivek Singh, and Rajiv Mishra. After 41 years, to be someone from the same city as my idol and stand on the Olympic podium in Tokyo was an honour.
Though Lalit often reminded people that his hockey roots were in the nondescript village of Karampur, 45 km north of Varanasi, the city of temples always preceded him in reputation. A deeply religious person, he believes providence played a role in his remarkable journey.
“It was 11.8.2021 when I headed straight from the airport to Kashi Vishwanath temple with the Tokyo bronze medal. Three years later, on the very same date in 2024, I was again at the temple with the Paris silverware around my neck,” he recalled.
His wife, Diksha, a former hockey player with Railways, has been a constant support through the highs and lows. What would he tell youngsters hoping to revive India’s rich tradition of artistry in a game increasingly dominated by raw power?
“You have to dare to dodge — that’s the asset of Indian hockey. Combine that skill with speed and athleticism,” he said firmly. “In Holland, there is a venue where the features of all top teams are inscribed on the track. We were so proud to see ‘Indian dribbling’ written there. We cannot afford to let it die.”
The journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams. From facing a sting operation to standing on the Olympic podium — not once, but twice — it’s been a path full of challenges, growth, and unforgettable pride.
Looking ahead, Lalit plans to keep giving back to the game that shaped him. “I will be part of the UP Rudras team that played in the revived Hockey India League last year,” he said. “Coming from an impoverished background, I have always tried to help needy kids across UP by providing them with kits. If Indian hockey needs my help in any capacity, I am always available.”
And any regrets? Any unfulfilled wishes? “I hope I have done enough to be considered for the Padma Shri,” Lalit said with quiet hope.
One can only hope the decision makers are listening.
