THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, April 1: Vandana Katariya, India’s most capped women’s hockey player, announced her retirement from international hockey on Tuesday, marking the end of a remarkable 15-year journey.
The 32-year-old striker, who amassed 320 international appearances and netted 158 goals, emphasized that her decision was not due to exhaustion but a conscious choice to step away while at her peak.
Katariya, who hails from Roshnabad, Haridwar, made her senior team debut in 2009 and played a pivotal role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
She became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games, a moment that cemented her legacy in the sport. Her final match for India came during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League in February.
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Expressing gratitude to her coaches, teammates, and late father, Katariya reflected on her journey with deep appreciation, “To my teammates, my sisters-in-arms, your camaraderie and trust have fuelled my spirit. To my coaches and mentors, your wisdom and faith in me have shaped my path,” she said, acknowledging the unwavering support that shaped her career.
She credited her father as the foundation of her success, stating, “And to my late father — my rock, my guiding light — without you, this dream would have remained out of reach; your sacrifices and love have been my foundation. You’ve given me a platform to dream, to fight, and to win,”
Announcing her decision on Instagram, Katariya wrote, “Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey — a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering. I’m stepping away not because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, but because I want to bow out at the zenith of my career, while I’m still at my very best,”
She assured fans that her hockey journey is far from over, as she plans to continue playing in the Hockey India League and beyond. “The turf will still feel my footsteps, and my passion for the game will never fade,” she declared.
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