Vandana Katariya Retires to Pave Way for Young Hockey Talent
New Delhi: Veteran Indian women’s hockey player Vandana Katariya has announced her retirement, marking the end of her illustrious 13-year international career. With 320 caps and 158 goals, the 32-year-old forward has been a pillar of strength for the national team. Her decision comes as Hockey India (HI) strategizes to build a squad for the 2026 World Cup, the 2026 Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A Decision for the Future
Reflecting on her retirement, Vandana revealed that her choice was driven by the need to prioritize the team’s future. “It was difficult, but I realized that the young players are performing well, and I wanted to align with the coach’s plan for the future,” she shared. She informed the team and coach Harendra Singh just a day before the announcement, leaving many in shock.
A Journey of Perseverance
Coming from a humble background in Haridwar, Vandana faced numerous challenges to become one of India’s most successful women’s hockey players. Her contributions were vital in securing back-to-back Olympic qualifications for India after a hiatus of 36 years. She played a key role in India’s victory at the 2017 Asia Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India achieved a historic fourth-place finish.
Growth of Women’s Hockey in India
Vandana credited the systematic changes in Indian women’s hockey for its rise on the global stage. “When we started, we were still learning. Over time, we improved and achieved results. Today, we have a strong team that competes at the highest level and can even defeat world No. 1 teams,” she remarked.
As she steps away from the international arena, Vandana remains optimistic about the future of Indian women’s hockey. “The girls are very focused. I know they will win medals at major events.”
