Mumbai, April 1: Indian women슬롯사이트s hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya has officially announced her retirement from international hockey, bringing an end to an extraordinary career that spanned over 15 years. With 320 international appearances and 158 goals to her name, Vandana leaves as the most capped player in the history of Indian women슬롯사이트s hockey. But beyond the numbers, she leaves behind an inspiring legacy슬롯사이트a tale of resilience, quiet determination, and a relentless hunger to push Indian women슬롯사이트s hockey to greater heights. India National Hockey Team Player Amit Rohidas Reacts to Winning Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year 2024.

The 32-year-old forward, who made her senior team debut in 2009, was an integral part of some of the most defining moments in the sport, including India슬롯사이트s 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.

Announcing her retirement, Vandana, who played her last match for India during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in February, shared the mix of emotions she is experiencing.

슬롯사이트This decision wasn슬롯사이트t easy, but I know it슬롯사이트s 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. Indian hockey is in great hands, and I will always be its biggest supporter.슬롯사이트� Indian Hockey Stars Mandeep Singh and Udita Duhan Tie the Knot in Jalandhar (Watch Video).

She extended her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in her journey. 슬롯사이트I want to thank my coaches, teammates, support staff, Hockey India, my family, and all the fans who have supported me over the years. Every cheer, every message, every word of encouragement meant the world to me.슬롯사이트�

Hailing from Roshnabad, Haridwar, Vandana슬롯사이트s journey began like that of many young girls in India슬롯사이트on dusty fields, with a dream far bigger than her circumstances. Over the years, she went on to represent India in the sport슬롯사이트s grandest arenas, including two Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), two FIH Hockey Women슬롯사이트s World Cups (2018, 2022), three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022), and three Asian Games (2014, 2018, 2022).

Her contributions were instrumental in India슬롯사이트s rise in world hockey. She played a pivotal role in securing Gold medals at the Women슬롯사이트s Asian Champions Trophy (2016, 2023) and the FIH Hockey Women슬롯사이트s Nations Cup (2022), Silver medals at the Asian Games 2018, Women's Asian Champions Trophy Japan 2013, and Women's Asian Champions Trophy Donghae 2018, along with Bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, and the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22. 'Aap Apna Sarpanch Rakhiye Hum Humara Rakh Lete Hai' Shreyas Iyer-Led Punjab Kings Called Out For 'Disrespecting' India Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey paid tribute to Vandana슬롯사이트s contribution, saying, 슬롯사이트Vandana 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 provided India with an edge, especially in high-pressure situations and her contributions have been instrumental in the team슬롯사이트s rise on the global stage. She has set a benchmark for future generations, and we at Hockey India are immensely proud of her achievements. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.슬롯사이트�

Vandana was also a key member of India슬롯사이트s Bronze medal-winning squad at the 2013 Junior World Cup, finishing as the team슬롯사이트s top scorer and the tournament슬롯사이트s third-highest goal scorer. Apart from representing India in multiple global tournaments throughout her career, Vandana also featured in the inaugural edition of the Women슬롯사이트s Hockey India League in 2025, playing for Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers.

Among her many achievements, Vandana슬롯사이트s Tokyo Olympics heroics will always be remembered. Her hat-trick in a crucial 4-3 victory over South Africa helped India reach the quarterfinals and eventually finish fourth슬롯사이트India슬롯사이트s best-ever performance at the Games.

Speaking about that defining moment, Vandana said, 슬롯사이트I still get goosebumps thinking about Tokyo. The Olympics are special, and that match against South Africa was one of the most emotional games of my life. I just wanted to give everything for my team, for my country. The hat-trick was special, but more than that, it was about proving that we belonged on that stage.슬롯사이트� Hockey India Name 36-Member Core Probable Group for Senior Men슬롯사이트s National Coaching Camp.

For her immense contributions, Vandana was honoured with some of India슬롯사이트s most prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award (2021) and the Padma Shri (2022). She was also recognised with Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) in 2014, Hockey India Presidents Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2021, and Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year 2021 and 2022 and multiple other accolades, cementing her status as one of India슬롯사이트s finest forwards.

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh also lauded her remarkable journey, stating, 슬롯사이트Vandana슬롯사이트s journey is nothing short of inspirational. From her early days to becoming a stalwart of Indian hockey, she has shown exceptional skill, resilience, and commitment. 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 inspiration슬롯사이트one that will continue to guide the next generation of Indian hockey stars.슬롯사이트�

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 01, 2025 11:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).