Vandana Katariya: Inspired by PM Modi's Heartfelt Letter
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Synopsis
Vandana Katariya expresses gratitude to PM Modi for his encouraging letter on her retirement from international hockey. With a rich legacy, she reflects on her journey and achievements in the sport, marking a significant chapter in Indian women's hockey.
Key Takeaways
- Vandana expresses gratitude to PM Modi.
- Retired after a stellar career in hockey.
- First Indian woman to score a hat-trick in the Olympics.
- Recognized with Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.
- Vandana leaves a lasting legacy in Indian hockey.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Indian women’s hockey icon Vandana Katariya shared her heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after receiving a personal letter of commendation upon her retirement from international hockey.
On April 1, the 32-year-old forward officially announced her retirement from international hockey, marking the end of a remarkable journey that began in 2009 and saw her become India’s most-capped women’s hockey player. With 320 international appearances and 158 goals, Vandana leaves behind a legacy that is unparalleled in the annals of Indian sports.
“It is a moment of great pride for me to receive a letter of appreciation from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji regarding my hockey career and retirement. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor. This warmth and encouragement will forever inspire me. Thank you, Prime Minister,” Vandana posted on X.
Her final match for the Indian side occurred during the Bhubaneswar phase of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 earlier this year.
Vandana Katariya’s career is filled with commendable milestones and achievements. She became a household name in 2021 by scoring the first-ever hat-trick by an Indian woman at the Olympics — a remarkable feat against South Africa at the Tokyo Games, where the Indian women’s team achieved a historic fourth place. This campaign significantly transformed the perception of women’s hockey in India, with Vandana being at the forefront of this change.
“This choice was not made lightly, but I believe it’s the right moment. Hockey has been integral to my life for as long as I can remember, and donning the Indian jersey has been my utmost honor,” she stated in her official announcement. “However, every journey has its duration, and I depart with immense pride, gratitude, and love for the sport. Indian hockey is in capable hands, and I will always remain its greatest supporter.”
She also represented India in the Rio 2016 Olympics and participated in two FIH Hockey Women’s World Cups (2018 and 2022), three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022), and three Asian Games (2014, 2018, 2022), serving as a pillar of strength for the national team across various generations.
Throughout her career, Vandana played a crucial role in some of Indian hockey’s most unforgettable victories. She secured gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2016 and 2023, as well as at the FIH Women’s Nations Cup in 2022. Her consistent performance also contributed to India earning silver at the 2018 Asian Games and two Asian Champions Trophy campaigns (Japan 2013 and Donghae 2018).
The bronze medals she earned at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 and 2023 Asian Games, and the FIH Pro League 2021-22 further enriched her illustrious career.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to Indian sports, Vandana was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2021, followed by the esteemed Padma Shri in 2022 — making her one of the few hockey players to receive this prestigious accolade.
