Vandana Katariya Bids Adieu To Hockey After 15 Glorious Years As India라이브 바카라 Most Capped Women라이브 바카라 Player

With 320 international appearances and 158 goals, Katariya departs as the most capped player in Indian women라이브 바카라 hockey history

바카라 Sports Desk

Updated on: 1 April 2025 10:30 am

Vandana Katariya in action for team India. Photo: Hockey India

Indian women라이브 바카라 hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya has officially announced her retirement from international hockey, closing the chapter on a remarkable career spanning over 15 years. (More Hockey News)

With 320 international appearances and 158 goals, she departs as the most capped player in Indian women라이브 바카라 hockey history. More than just records, Vandana leaves behind a legacy of resilience, quiet determination, and an unwavering drive to elevate Indian women라이브 바카라 hockey on the global stage.

The 32-year-old forward, who made her senior team debut in 2009, played a crucial role in some of India라이브 바카라 most defining hockey moments. She was instrumental in the team라이브 바카라 historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games.

Announcing her retirement, Vandana Katariya, who played her final match for India during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in February, expressed the mix of emotions she feels. "This decision wasn't easy, but I know it's the right time. Hockey has been my life for as long as I can remember, and wearing the Indian jersey was the greatest honour."

"Every journey has its course, and I step away with immense pride, gratitude, and love for the sport. Indian hockey is in great hands, and I will always be its biggest supporter."

She extended her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in her journey. “I want to thank my coaches, teammates, support staff, Hockey India, my family, and all the fans who have supported me over the years. Every cheer, every message, every word of encouragement meant the world to me.”

Vandana Katariya's Hockey Journey

Hailing from Roshnabad, Haridwar, Katariya's journey began on dusty fields, driven by a dream that surpassed her surroundings. Over the years, she not only became a cornerstone of India's hockey legacy but also witnessed and contributed to the rise of Indian women라이브 바카라 hockey.

She represented the country at two Olympic Games (2016, 2020), two FIH Hockey Women라이브 바카라 World Cups (2018, 2022), three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022), and three Asian Games (2014, 2018, 2022).

Katariya's impact on the sport was immense, playing a pivotal role in India라이브 바카라 rise on the global stage. She contributed to Gold medals at the Women라이브 바카라 Asian Champions Trophy (2016, 2023) and the FIH Hockey Women라이브 바카라 Nations Cup (2022), as well as Silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games and other major tournaments.

She was also part of the Bronze-winning squad at the 2013 Junior World Cup and represented Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in the inaugural Women라이브 바카라 Hockey India League in 2025.

Katariya's heroics at the Tokyo Olympics will forever stand as one of her most memorable achievements. Her remarkable hat-trick in a crucial 4-3 victory over South Africa helped India reach the quarterfinals, securing the nation라이브 바카라 best-ever finish at the Games, fourth place.

Reflecting on that unforgettable moment, Katariya shared, “I still get goosebumps thinking about Tokyo. The Olympics are special, and that match against South Africa was one of the most emotional games of my life. I just wanted to give everything for my team, for my country. The hat-trick was special, but more than that, it was about proving that we belonged on that stage.”