Nilakanta Sharma Bids Goodbye to Indian Hockey
Indian hockey midfielder Nilakanta Sharma has announced his retirement from international hockey after the conclusion of India’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy. The 31-year-old made the announcement on October 27, following India’s emphatic 13-0 victory over Bangladesh in the tournament opener at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, Punjab.
The midfielder from Manipur made his 163rd international appearance in the match and scored India’s sixth goal, taking his international tally to 20. His decision brings an important chapter of Indian hockey to a close, following a career that featured Olympic success, Asian Games gold medals and several major international titles.
Nilakanta Sharma Chooses His Own Retirement
Sharma revealed that he had discussed his retirement plans with India’s head coach during the Asian Games earlier this month. He wanted to finish his international career at the next tournament, believing the time was right to step away from the national team.
The midfielder also made it clear that the decision was his own. Rather than waiting for his place in the team to become uncertain, he wanted to conclude his career while he could still contribute on the field. He approached the coach for an opportunity to play in the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab and say goodbye to international hockey on his own terms.
Sharma said he felt fortunate to have represented India at the Olympics and to have won another Asian Games gold medal in Japan in 2026. He was included in the Asian Games squad after Raj Kumar Pal suffered a hand injury and made the most of the opportunity to help India secure another continental title.
Tokyo Olympic Bronze Remains a Career Highlight
One of the defining moments of Sharma’s career came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021. He was part of the Indian men’s hockey team that won bronze, ending the country’s 41-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal.
His achievements also include gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Sharma represented India at the 2018, 2023 and 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cups and helped the team win silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
He was also part of India’s title-winning campaigns at the 2015 Junior Asia Cup and the 2016 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Lucknow. At senior level, he featured in India’s 2018 Asian Champions Trophy campaign, when India and Pakistan shared the title, and the team that won the FIH Men’s Series Finals in Bhubaneswar in 2019. He later contributed to India’s Asian Champions Trophy victories in 2023 and 2024.
From Manipur to the International Hockey Stage
Born in Manipur, Sharma progressed through junior hockey before making his senior international debut against Belgium in 2017. His work rate, defensive contribution and ability to link play in midfield made him a valuable member of the Indian team across major international competitions.
His journey from Manipur to the Olympic podium also reflects the contribution of regional hockey talent to India’s success on the international stage. Sharma’s career has included major tournaments across different continents, with the Tokyo Olympic bronze and consecutive Asian Games gold medals standing among its most significant achievements.
Nilakanta Sharma Plans to Coach Young Players
Retirement from international hockey will not mean the end of Sharma’s association with the sport. The midfielder has expressed a desire to give back to hockey by helping develop young players in Manipur and sharing the experience he gained while representing India.
Following India’s Tokyo Olympic success, Sharma was offered a position in the Manipur Sports Department. He has spoken about using that opportunity to support the next generation, passing on the lessons he learned from playing under experienced coaches and competing at the highest level.
Sharma also hopes to work with junior and sub-junior teams, with a longer-term ambition of potentially coaching the Indian national team. His next chapter could therefore see him move from the international playing field to developing future hockey talent in his home state.
Hockey India Praises Nilakanta Sharma’s Contribution
Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey praised Sharma’s dedication, commitment and contribution to the national team. He acknowledged the midfielder’s service to Indian hockey and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also recognised Sharma’s hard work, tactical understanding and role in India’s achievements on the international stage. The federation thanked him for his service and wished him well for the next phase of his life.
Sharma’s international career will conclude after India’s 2026 Asian Champions Trophy campaign. With 163 international appearances, 20 goals and a collection of major medals, the Manipuri midfielder leaves behind a significant contribution to Indian hockey while preparing to help shape its future.
