Jalandhar, Oct 2026 : Indian hockey midfielder Nilakanta Sharma has announced that he will retire from international hockey after India's campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career marked by Olympic glory, Asian Games gold medals and several major international titles.
The 31-year-old Manipuri player made the announcement on Tuesday, with Hockey India acknowledging his contribution to the national team and congratulating him on his achievements. Nilakanta chose the opening match of India's campaign in Jalandhar to make his 163rd international appearance, scoring his 20th international goal in the team's emphatic 13-0 victory over Bangladesh at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.
A dependable presence in India's midfield for several years, Nilakanta has been part of some of the country's most significant achievements in modern hockey. His career includes the historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, gold medals at two consecutive Asian Games and title-winning campaigns at the Asian Champions Trophy.
Born in Manipur, Nilakanta first established himself on the international stage through India's junior hockey programme. He was part of the team that won the 2015 Junior Asia Cup before playing an important role in India's triumph at the 2016 FIH Men's Junior World Cup in Lucknow. These performances paved the way for his senior international debut against Belgium in 2017.
Following his entry into senior hockey, Nilakanta developed into a reliable midfielder, contributing to India's efforts at major international tournaments. He was part of the Indian team that won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018, sharing the title with Pakistan, and the side that lifted the FIH Men's Series Finals trophy in Bhubaneswar in 2019.
Tokyo Olympics bronze among career highlights
One of the defining chapters of Nilakanta's career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where India won the men's hockey bronze medal, ending a 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal. The achievement was a landmark moment for Indian hockey and remains one of the midfielder's most memorable experiences.
Nilakanta also represented India at the 2018, 2023 and 2026 Men's Hockey World Cups. He was part of the Indian team that won silver at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, adding another major international medal to his record.
His Asian Games achievements further underlined his importance to the national side. Nilakanta won his first Asian Games gold medal at Hangzhou 2022 and secured a second gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan earlier this month. He also featured in India's Asian Champions Trophy title-winning campaigns in 2023 and 2024.
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Nilakanta said he had discussed the matter with the team's coach during the Asian Games and decided that the next tournament would be the right time to bring his international career to an end.
“I discussed that with our coach during the Asian Games. I told him that I want to bid adieu in the next tournament because I feel it’s the right time for me,” he said.
While the Olympic bronze medal remains one of the biggest moments of his career, Nilakanta said he was fortunate to have another opportunity to win Asian Games gold in Japan. He played India's final two matches at the 2026 Games after Raj Kumar Pal suffered a hand injury, leading to his inclusion in the squad.
Nilakanta hopes to promote hockey in Manipur
Although he is preparing to step away from international competition, Nilakanta hopes to remain associated with the sport and contribute to its development, particularly in his home state of Manipur.
“Going ahead, I want to give back to the game that has given me so much and hope to contribute to the growth of the sport in Manipur,” he said.
Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey praised Nilakanta's dedication and service to the national team, highlighting his contributions in midfield and commitment throughout his international career.
“Nilakanta has served Indian hockey with great dedication and pride. His contributions in midfield and commitment to the team have been valuable throughout his international career,” Tirkey said, wishing him success and happiness in his future endeavours.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also acknowledged the midfielder's role in India's international achievements, saying his hard work, commitment and understanding of the game would be remembered. He thanked Nilakanta for his service and wished him well for the next chapter of his life.
India thrash Bangladesh 13-0
Nilakanta's announcement came on a memorable day for the Indian team, which opened its Asian Champions Trophy 2026 campaign with a commanding 13-0 win over Bangladesh.
Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick in the third, 10th and 54th minutes. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice in the second and 44th minutes, while Dilpreet Singh netted in the 43rd and 44th minutes. Hardik Singh also scored twice in the 60th minute.
Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma and Jugraj Singh were the other goalscorers, finding the net in the 15th, 18th, 26th and 46th minutes, respectively.
As India continue their campaign in the tournament, Nilakanta will have an opportunity to conclude his international career in front of home supporters, bringing to a close a journey that has spanned junior world titles, Olympic success and Asian Games triumphs.
