Indian female hockey legend Vandana Katariya announced her international retirement on Tuesday, April 1. Katariya, who debuted in 2009, was part of a team that finished fourth in the 2020 Olympics.
Katariya is also the most limited player in Indian female hockey because she performed 320 international performances during this time and scored 158 goals during this time. During her 15 -year career for the national team, Katariya India represented at two Olympic Games (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), two hockey female world cups (2018, 2022), three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022) and three Asian games (2014, 2018, 2022).
The 32-Year-Old Played and Pivotal roles in Helping India Secure Gold Medals at Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (2016, 2023) and the Fih Hockey Women’s Nations Cup (2022), Silver Medals at The Asian Games, Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Japan Champions Trophy Donghae 2018, Along with Bronze Medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, The 2014 and 2022 Asian Games and Fih Hockey for League 2021-22.
“The decision wasn’t easy but I know it’s the right time”
Katariya commented on her retirement and said that while the decision was not easy, it was the right time for her to resign from international duties.
“This decision was not easy, but I know it’s the right time. Hockey has been my life as long as I remember, and wearing the Indian jersey was the greatest honor.
Katariya also thanked her coaches, teammates and hockey for supporting her to support her during her international career.
“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, support staff, hockey India, my family and all fans who have supported me over the years. Every encouragement, every message, every word encouragement meant the world,” Katariya said.
Published on:
April 1 2025
