NEW DELHI, April 1: Indian women’s hockey legend Vandana Katariya has officially announced her retirement from international hockey, ending a remarkable career that spanned over 15 years. With 320 international appearances and 158 goals, Vandana holds the distinction of being the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, quiet determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
The 32-year-old forward, who made her debut in 2009, was instrumental in several defining moments in Indian hockey, including the country’s 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. Reflecting on her career with mixed emotions, Vandana shared, “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. But every journey has its course, and I leave with immense pride, gratitude, and love for the sport.”
Vandana expressed gratitude towards her coaches, teammates, family, support staff, and the fans who supported her throughout her journey. Hailing from Roshnabad, Haridwar, her journey began on the dusty fields of India, and she went on to represent the nation on global platforms, including two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), two FIH Hockey Women’s World Cups (2018 and 2022), and multiple Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Her contributions were pivotal in India’s rise in world hockey, with key achievements including gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (2016, 2023) and the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup (2022), silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games, and bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2021-22 FIH Hockey Pro League.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey paid tribute to Vandana’s contributions, saying, “Vandana was not just a goal scorer; she was the heartbeat of the Indian attack, a tireless worker, and a leader by example. Her presence in the forward line gave India an edge, especially in high-pressure situations.” Vandana was also a key member of India’s bronze medal-winning squad at the 2013 Junior World Cup.
Vandana’s Tokyo Olympics heroics, where she scored a hat-trick against South Africa to help India reach the quarterfinals, are particularly memorable. For her immense contributions to Indian hockey, she received numerous prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award (2021), Padma Shri (2022), and the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) in 2014.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh lauded Vandana’s extraordinary journey, saying, “Her performances in crucial matches, especially at the Tokyo Olympics, will be remembered for years to come. As she takes her final bow, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and inspiration—one that will continue to guide the next generation of Indian hockey stars.”
