Latest news with #LalitUpadhyay
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Pro League run a wake-up call for Indian hockey
CHENNAI: The men's team lost seven on the bounce. Coach Craig Fulton dropped the 'f' (the one that rhymes with duck) bomb on live TV ("we are not here to ducking lose..."). Senior pros made mistakes which wouldn't have been out of place in school hockey. One senior, Lalit Upadhyay, announced his retirement. When they left for the European leg of the Pro League, the team had one agenda. Securing the World Cup berth on offer. When the dust settled, they finished ninth, just one spot above Ireland and relegation. It's kind of fair to say their best laid plans didn't come to fruition. But there's two ways of looking at the last month or so they have had in Europe. The simplistic, more rudimentary way of looking at things is this. In an earlier era, losing seven on the bounce would have led to instant hand-wringing, doubts about the coach's position, why the men's team don't deserve patience... you get the drift. These days? There's more understanding as people have come to realise the context behind these games. Sure, all matches, especially against high-quality opponents, are important. They give an insight into the current standing of the side. Within the context of this being a World Cup qualifier, they did lose an opportunity to seal a place but they are prohibitive favourites to win the Asia Cup in India in September. The team did have similar results against Australia before last year's Olympics but that didn't prevent them from medalling in Paris. However, the other way of looking at these losses is slightly more concerning. For one, India will suffer in terms of ranking points. It could lead to problems when it comes to the World Cup draw ahead of next year's showpiece. Ranked inside the top-five for so long, the latest batch of results have seen them drop to No. 8 in the standings. You can't even use the excuse of mixing and matching because this was a near full-strength Indian squad with not a lot of developmental players (a few of them are currently in the junior set-up ahead of this year's age-group World Cup in Tamil Nadu). The management wanted to take a lot of seniors because their stated aim was to seal the World Cup place. With two events in the next 16 months (World Cup and the Asian Games), results like these act as a wake-up call. In hindsight, mixing and matching would have been better as the inexperienced players may have got the taste of big-time hockey a few months before the junior World Cup. The performances themselves weren't all that bad but some of India's best games under the South African have come when they have either kept a clean sheet or won by the odd goal in three. Across eight games in Europe, the Men in Blue conceded 26 times. That's not ideal for a coach who keeps talking about the importance of defending as a unit. It's something to keep an eye on as the team management and the selectors identify the players capable of delivering at the World Cup next year. One year out from the quadrennial event, the Indian team had the chance to build good memories in the venues hosting it. Now, they won't have that. Threat of relegation If the issues surrounding the men's team can be worked with, the women's team's problems seem to have compounded. They have lost five out of six (drawn one) and may well be relegated from the Pro League. If they finish bottom — they have two games remaining against fourth-placed China — they will find themselves in the Nations Cup, the second tier of world hockey, in 2026. That is not what Hockey India had in mind when Harendra Singh was brought on board. It's fair to say that things have not worked out. Singh got his dragflickers to work with a specialist before the European leg began. However, that work hasn't translated to tangible results on the field (Singh had spoken about getting the importance of bio-mechanics with reference to dragflickers during the Indian leg of the event in February). They have struggled in both ends, as they have not converted enough attacking chances nor have they been solid at the back. The Asia Cup in Hangzhou in September will be a World Cup qualifier but China are favourites for that. If the women don't win that, they will have to emerge from the World Cup qualifiers in early 2026. Pakistan may feature at Asia Cup It's learned that the neighbours may travel to India for the men's Asia Cup in August-September (while the hockey teams generally travel to India, there are doubts post Pahalgam). It's learned that stakeholders have impressed upon the government, at least informally, the importance of allowing Pakistan to these events on the backdrop of the country wanting to host events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics in the next decade or so.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Two-time Olympic medallist hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay retires
New Delhi: Veteran Indian hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay has called time on his illustrious international career, drawing curtains on over a decade-long journey that saw him be a part of the teams that won bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. From making his debut at the 2014 World Cup to standing tall on the Olympic podium twice, Lalit's career is a time-line of some of Indian hockey's biggest milestones in the modern era. He was a crucial part of the squad that scripted history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping India clinch a long-awaited bronze medal, and repeated the feat at the Paris Games in 2024, reinforcing his reputation as a big-match player. 'This journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams,' Lalit 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 on Sunday. '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,' Lalit posted. 'Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honor and gratitude,' he added. A natural play-maker with an uncanny knack for scoring goals, Lalit played 183 matches for India at the senior level, scoring 67 goals.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Two-Time Olympic medallist Hockey Forward Lalit Upadhyay Calls Time On International Career
Veteran Indian hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay has called time on his illustrious international career, drawing curtains on over a decade-long journey that saw him be a part of the teams that won bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. From making his debut at the 2014 World Cup to standing tall on the Olympic podium twice, Lalit's career is a time-line of some of Indian hockey's biggest milestones in the modern era. He was a crucial part of the squad that scripted history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping India clinch a long-awaited bronze medal, and repeated the feat at the Paris Games in 2024, reinforcing his reputation as a big-match player. "This journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams," Lalit 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 on Sunday. "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," Lalit posted. "Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honor and gratitude," he added. A natural play-maker with an uncanny knack for scoring goals, 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. The 31-year-old's final appearance in the Indian jersey came against Australia on June 15. Reflecting on Lalit's contribution, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, "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 wore the Indian jersey with pride and played with heart. "His journey from the narrow lanes of Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium twice is nothing short of inspirational. We thank him for his selfless service to Indian hockey and wish him the very best for the next phase of his life." Beyond the Olympics, Lalit was instrumental in India's victories at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup --where he netted four goals -- and multiple other podium finishes. His medal-laden career includes a bronze at the 2017 Hockey World League Final 2017, silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy. He was also a part of the squads that finished third in the FIH Pro League 2021-22 and won gold at the 2022 Asian Games. In recognition of his contributions to Indian hockey, Lalit was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Two-time Olympic medallist Lalit Upadhyay retires from international hockey
Veteran Indian hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay has called time on his illustrious international career, drawing curtains on over a decade-long journey that saw him be a part of the teams that won bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. From making his debut at the 2014 World Cup to standing tall on the Olympic podium twice, Lalit's career is a time-line of some of Indian hockey's biggest milestones in the modern era. He was a crucial part of the squad that scripted history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping India clinch a long-awaited bronze medal, and repeated the feat at the Paris Games in 2024, reinforcing his reputation as a big-match player. "This journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams," Lalit 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 on Sunday. "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," Lalit posted. "Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honour and gratitude," he added. A natural play-maker with an uncanny knack for scoring goals, 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. The 31-year-old's final appearance in the Indian jersey came against Australia on June 15. Reflecting on Lalit's contribution, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, "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 wore the Indian jersey with pride and played with heart. "His journey from the narrow lanes of Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium twice is nothing short of inspirational. We thank him for his selfless service to Indian hockey and wish him the very best for the next phase of his life." Beyond the Olympics, Lalit was instrumental in India's victories at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup — where he netted four goals — and multiple other podium finishes. His medal-laden career includes a bronze at the 2017 Hockey World League Final 2017, silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy. He was also a part of the squads that finished third in the FIH Pro League 2021-22 and won gold at the 2022 Asian Games. In recognition of his contributions to Indian hockey, Lalit was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Two-time Olympic medallist hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay calls time on international career
New Delhi, Veteran Indian hockey forward Lalit Upadhyay has called time on his illustrious international career, drawing curtains on over a decade-long journey that saw him be a part of the teams that won bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. HT Image From making his debut at the 2014 World Cup to standing tall on the Olympic podium twice, Lalit's career is a time-line of some of Indian hockey's biggest milestones in the modern era. He was a crucial part of the squad that scripted history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, helping India clinch a long-awaited bronze medal, and repeated the feat at the Paris Games in 2024, reinforcing his reputation as a big-match player. "This journey began in a small village, with limited resources but limitless dreams," Lalit 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 on Sunday. "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," Lalit posted. "Becoming an Olympian from my city after 26 years is something I'll always carry with honor and gratitude," he added. A natural play-maker with an uncanny knack for scoring goals, 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. The 31-year-old's final appearance in the Indian jersey came against Australia on June 15. Reflecting on Lalit's contribution, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said, "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 wore the Indian jersey with pride and played with heart. "His journey from the narrow lanes of Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium twice is nothing short of inspirational. We thank him for his selfless service to Indian hockey and wish him the very best for the next phase of his life." Beyond the Olympics, Lalit was instrumental in India's victories at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy, 2017 Asia Cup where he netted four goals and multiple other podium finishes. His medal-laden career includes a bronze at the 2017 Hockey World League Final 2017, silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy, bronze at the 2018 Asian Games, and gold at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy. He was also a part of the squads that finished third in the FIH Pro League 2021-22 and won gold at the 2022 Asian Games. In recognition of his contributions to Indian hockey, Lalit was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2021. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
