India’s women’s hockey star and two-time Olympian, Vandana Katariya, has announced her retirement from international hockey. Her decision, made public on Tuesday, marks the end of an extraordinary journey that lasted 15 years. With unmatched dedication, Vandana became one of India’s most respected and celebrated players in the sport’s history.
An Emotional Goodbye to the Game
In her retirement statement, Vandana shared heartfelt words:
“This decision wasn’t easy, but I know it’s the right time. Hockey has been my life for as long as I can remember, and wearing the Indian jersey was the greatest honour.”
She played her last match for India during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25 in February. Though emotional, she said she leaves the field with pride, gratitude, and love. “Indian hockey is in great hands,” she added, promising to always remain its biggest fan.
A Record-Breaking Career
Vandana Katariya ends her career as India’s most-capped women’s hockey player, having played 320 international matches and scoring 158 goals. She made her international debut in 2009 and went on to become one of India’s most dangerous forwards.
Her biggest moment came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman to score a hat-trick in Olympic history, netting three goals against South Africa. She also played a key role in helping India reach a historic fourth-place finish at those Games.
Representing India on the Biggest Stages
Vandana represented India in:
- Two Olympics – Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
- Two World Cups – 2018 and 2022
- Three Commonwealth Games – 2014, 2018, and 2022
- Three Asian Games – 2014, 2018, and 2023
Her journey was filled with medals and unforgettable moments that inspired millions of young girls across India.
A Medal-Winning Journey
During her career, Vandana won:
- Gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (2016, 2023) and FIH Women’s Nations Cup (2022)
- Silver medals at the 2018 Asian Games and two editions of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy
- Bronze medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2014 and 2023 Asian Games, and the FIH Pro League 2021–22
Her skill, consistency, and leadership on the field helped India rise as a strong force in women’s international hockey.
Honoured for Her Service to the Sport
In recognition of her achievements, Vandana received:
- The Arjuna Award in 2021
- The Padma Shri, one of India’s top civilian honours, in 2022
These awards highlight her impact on Indian sports and her contribution to inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Vandana Katariya’s retirement closes a golden chapter in Indian women’s hockey. From scoring historic goals to leading the team in big tournaments, she has done it all with class and commitment. Her story is one of determination, hard work, and national pride.
While her playing days are now over, her influence on Indian hockey will be felt for years to come. Vandana leaves behind a powerful legacy that will inspire generations of young players, especially girls, to dream big and play with heart.
