Nilakanta Sharma announces retirement from international hockey

Jalandhar, Oct 28 (UNI) Star midfielder Nilakanta Sharma has announced that he will bring his illustrious international career to a close after India's campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026, with Hockey India congratulating the Manipuri veteran for his contribution to Indian hockey. Nilakanta, who hails from Manipur, made his 163rd international appearance in India's opening match against Bangladesh in front of a passionate crowd at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Tuesday. India won the match 13-0 with Nilakanta scoring one goal, his 20th in the international arena. The 31-year-old Manipuri midfielder will retire as…