Nilakanta Sharma Bids Farewell to International Hockey After Stellar Career
Nilakanta Sharma Announces Retirement from Hockey
After an impressive career spanning nine years and 163 international appearances, 31-year-old Nilakanta Sharma has decided to retire from professional hockey. His announcement followed India's remarkable 13-0 victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Tuesday evening. Sharma confirmed that this tournament will mark his final chapter with the Indian national team.
In a heartfelt farewell, his teammates celebrated his achievements by lifting him into the air three times.
Sharma's retirement was anticipated as he is the first among four players being considered for a 'smooth transition' in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The other three players include Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Amit Rohidas, all of whom have made significant contributions to the team. Hailing from Manipur, Sharma was part of the Indian squad that secured a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as gold medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games.
Originating from the village of Kontha Ahallup in Imphal East, Manipur, Sharma expressed his desire to retire during discussions with the coach at the recent Asian Games. He felt it was the right moment to step away and requested to conclude his career after the ACT in Punjab, which the coach agreed to, contingent on winning gold in Nagoya and qualifying for the 2028 Olympics. "Had we not secured gold, I doubt I would be here today," Sharma remarked, expressing his intention to mentor young athletes back in Manipur. Following his Olympic success, he was offered a position in the Manipur Sports Department.
Sharma first gained recognition in junior hockey, clinching the 2015 Junior Asia Cup and playing a pivotal role in India's victory at the 2016 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Lucknow. He made his senior international debut against Belgium in 2017 and quickly established himself as a formidable midfielder. In 2018, he contributed to India's triumph in the Asian Champions Trophy, where India shared the title with Pakistan, and was part of the team that won the FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar in 2019. His participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics culminated in a bronze medal, ending a 41-year drought for India in Olympic hockey. He also represented India in the 2018, 2023, and 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cups and earned a silver medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
"Winning the Olympic bronze was a career highlight, but I feel incredibly lucky to have played in the last two matches at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and secured another gold medal, especially after Raj Kumar Pal's injury led to my inclusion in the squad. I am genuinely content with my decision. Being able to step onto the field is the greatest opportunity a player can have. I've witnessed many players who linger on and are abruptly dropped, which is never a pleasant experience, and I wanted to avoid that fate," Sharma shared after the match.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh remarked, "Nilakanta Sharma has been an invaluable asset to Indian hockey, and his contributions over the years will be remembered fondly. His dedication, effort, and tactical understanding have played a crucial role in India's international success. On behalf of Hockey India, we extend our gratitude for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."