Nilakanta Sharma Announces International Retirement After Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026

The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist and two-time Asian Games gold winner will bring his international career to an end after India’s campaign in Jalandhar, having made 163 appearances and scored 20 international goals.

Indian hockey midfielder Nilakanta Sharma has announced his retirement from international hockey, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career that included an Olympic bronze medal, two Asian Games gold medals and multiple continental titles. The 31-year-old Manipuri player will retire after India’s campaign at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, Hockey India confirmed on Tuesday.

Nilakanta made his 163rd international appearance in India’s opening match against Bangladesh at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. India registered a commanding 13-0 victory, with the midfielder scoring one goal to take his international tally to 20.

The announcement marks the end of a career during which Nilakanta became part of some of the most significant achievements in modern Indian hockey, establishing himself as a dependable presence in midfield and contributing to the national team’s success across major international competitions.

Nilakanta first made his mark in junior hockey, winning the Junior Asia Cup in 2015 before playing a key role in India’s triumph at the 2016 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Lucknow.

His performances at the junior level helped pave the way for his senior international debut against Belgium in 2017. He subsequently established himself as a regular member of the national setup, representing India at major tournaments and contributing to the team’s growing success.

Among his early senior achievements was the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy, where India shared the title with Pakistan. He was also part of the Indian team that won the FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar in 2019.

The defining achievement of his career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where India won the bronze medal to end a 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal. Nilakanta’s place in that historic squad remains one of the most important milestones of his international journey. He also represented India at the 2018, 2023 and 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cups, while contributing to the team’s silver-medal finish at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Two Asian Games Gold Medals and Continental Success

Nilakanta’s international career was further distinguished by his success at the Asian Games. He won his first gold medal with India at Hangzhou 2022 before adding a second at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in Japan earlier this month.

His second Asian Games gold carried particular significance as he returned to the squad for India’s final two matches after Raj Kumar Pal suffered a hand injury. Nilakanta said the opportunity to contribute to another title-winning campaign was among the moments he would cherish most.

He also featured in India’s Asian Champions Trophy-winning campaigns in 2023 and 2024, adding to the continental success that defined much of his career.

Across these competitions, Nilakanta became part of a generation that helped restore India’s standing among the leading teams in international hockey. His experience in midfield and familiarity with high-pressure matches made him a valuable member of the national squad.

Explaining his decision, Nilakanta dthat he had discussed his plans with the coach during the Asian Games. “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 defining moments of his career, Nilakanta highlighted the experience of winning another Asian Games gold as a fitting chapter towards the end of his international journey.

“Of course, the Olympic bronze medal was one of the biggest moments of my career, but I feel extremely fortunate to play the last two matches at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan and win another Asian Games gold medal, when Raj Kumar Pal suffered a hand injury and I was included in the squad,” he added.

Rather than moving away from the sport entirely, Nilakanta hopes to remain involved in hockey and contribute to its development in Manipur, his home state. “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 Pays Tribute to Nilakanta

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey praised Nilakanta’s dedication and service to the national team.

“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, thanking the midfielder and wishing him success in his future endeavours.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also acknowledged his contribution, highlighting his commitment, hard work and understanding of the game. “Nilakanta Sharma has been a valuable member of Indian hockey, and his contributions to the team over the years will always be appreciated,” Singh said.

As Nilakanta prepares to conclude his international career after the Asian Champions Trophy, his legacy will be closely associated with India’s resurgence on the global stage. From junior world champion to Olympic medallist and two-time Asian Games gold winner, he leaves international hockey having played a part in an exceptionally successful period for the Indian men’s team.

His next chapter will focus on giving back to the sport, with the development of hockey in Manipur emerging as a key priority.