Olympian Vandana Katariya Retires as India’s Most-Capped Women’s Hockey Player
-The 32-year-old forward scored 158 goals in 320 matches, leaving behind a legacy as an Asian and Commonwealth Games medallist.
Patiala, 01 April (Sports Desk)
Two-time Olympian Vandana Katariya bid farewell to international hockey on Tuesday, concluding an illustrious 15-year career that cemented her as a trailblazer in the sport.
Announcing her retirement, Vandana, who last played for India in the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in February, reflected on her journey. “This wasn’t an easy call, but it feels right. Hockey has been my everything, and representing India was the ultimate privilege,” she said. “Every journey has its end, and I step away with pride, gratitude, and a deep love for the game. Indian hockey is in capable hands, and I’ll always cheer it on.”
A towering figure in women’s hockey, Vandana retires as India’s most-capped women’s player, amassing 320 international appearances and 158 goals since her debut in 2009. The dynamic forward played a pivotal role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick, against South Africa.
watch……India, Olympic Medals in Hockey
Vandana’s international resume includes the Rio 2016 Olympics, FIH Women’s World Cups in 2018 and 2022, and consistent appearances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games from 2014 to 2022. She was instrumental in India’s triumphs, securing gold at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (2016 and 2023) and the FIH Women’s Nations Cup (2022).
Her medal haul also features silver from the 2018 Asian Games, the 2013 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Japan, and the 2018 edition in Donghae. Vandana added bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 and 2023 Asian Games, and a third-place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22.
The 32-year-old’s stellar contributions earned her prestigious accolades, including the Arjuna Award in 2021 and the Padma Shri in 2022, recognizing her indelible impact on Indian hockey.
