Overview

• Upadhyay, 32, ended his international career on June 22 following India’s final match in the FIH Pro League European leg.
• He departs at the height of his form after helping India secure back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
• A 2008 sting operation and early financial hardship in Varanasi preceded a comeback that earned him the Arjuna Award in 2021.
• His decision to retire was made before the European campaign and was not influenced by India’s eighth-place finish in Europe.
• Across 183 caps, he scored 67 goals and delivered standout moments including the shootout victory over Great Britain in the Paris quarterfinal.