Vandana Katariya, India's Leading Women's Hockey Player, Announces Retirement from International Hockey

New Delhi, April 1 (NationPress) The renowned Indian women’s hockey player Vandana Katariya has made the significant announcement of her retirement from international hockey, marking the conclusion of an illustrious career that lasted over 15 years.

With an impressive tally of 320 international caps and 158 goals, Vandana stands as the most capped player in the realm of Indian women’s hockey. However, her legacy extends beyond mere statistics—she represents a narrative of resilience, steadfast determination, and an unyielding ambition to elevate Indian women’s hockey.

The 32-year-old forward debuted with the senior team in 2009 and was a crucial figure during pivotal moments in the sport’s history, most notably contributing to India’s groundbreaking fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she also became the first Indian woman to achieve a hat-trick in the Olympic Games.

In her retirement announcement, Vandana reflected on the emotional journey she has experienced. “This choice wasn’t simple, but I recognize it’s the appropriate moment. Hockey has encompassed my life for as long as I can remember, and donning the Indian jersey was the highest honor. Yet, every journey must conclude, and I depart with immense pride, gratitude, and affection for the sport. Indian hockey is in capable hands, and I shall always be its most ardent supporter.”

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her journey. “I extend my thanks to my coaches, teammates, support staff, Hockey India, my family, and all the fans who cheered for me across the years. Every cheer, every message, every encouraging word meant everything to me.”

Originating from Roshnabad, Haridwar, Vandana’s journey commenced like that of many young girls in India—on dusty fields, harboring dreams much larger than her circumstances. Eventually, she represented India on the grandest stages, including two Olympic Games (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020), two FIH Hockey Women’s World Cups (2018 and 2022), three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, and 2022), and three Asian Games (2014, 2018, and 2022).

Her contributions were vital in propelling India’s stature in world hockey. She played a significant role in achieving Gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (2016 and 2023) and the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup (2022), along with Silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games, Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Japan 2013, and Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Donghae 2018, as well as Bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, and the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey paid tribute to Vandana’s contributions, stating, “Vandana was not merely a goal scorer; she epitomized the heartbeat of the Indian attack, a diligent worker, and a leader by example. Her presence in the forward line provided India with a strategic advantage, especially in high-pressure scenarios, and her contributions have been crucial in the team’s ascendance on the global stage. She has set a standard for future generations, and we at Hockey India take immense pride in her accomplishments. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Vandana was also a vital component of India’s Bronze medal-winning team at the 2013 Junior World Cup, where she finished as the team’s top scorer and the tournament’s third-highest goal scorer.

In addition to representing India in numerous global tournaments throughout her career, Vandana participated in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League in 2025, playing for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

Among her numerous accolades, Vandana’s extraordinary feats at the Tokyo Olympics will remain etched in memory. Her hat-trick in a pivotal 4-3 victory over South Africa enabled India to advance to the quarterfinals and ultimately secure a fourth-place finish—India’s best-ever outcome at the Games.

Reflecting on that defining moment, Vandana stated, “I still get chills thinking about Tokyo. The Olympics hold a special place, and that match against South Africa was one of the most emotional games of my life. I aimed to give everything for my team, for my country. The hat-trick was significant, but more than that, it was about affirming that we belonged on that stage.”

For her immense contributions, Vandana has received some of India’s most esteemed awards, including the Arjuna Award (2021) and the Padma Shri (2022). She has also been honored with the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) in 2014, the Hockey India President's Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2021, and the Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year in 2021 and 2022, among various other accolades—solidifying her status as one of India’s premier forwards.

The Secretary General of Hockey India, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, praised her remarkable journey, stating, “Vandana’s path is nothing less than inspirational. From her early days to becoming a stalwart of Indian hockey, she has displayed extraordinary skill, resilience, and commitment. Her performances in critical matches, particularly at the Tokyo Olympics, will be commemorated 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.”