Vandana Katariya Retires from International Hockey at the Peak of Her Career

Indian women’s hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya announced her retirement from international hockey on April 2, 2025. The veteran striker, who holds the record for the most international caps in Indian women’s hockey history, stated that she is stepping away at the “zenith” of her illustrious 15-year career.

Introduction

Vandana Katariya, a name synonymous with Indian women’s hockey, has officially bid farewell to international hockey. The 32-year-old striker, who played a crucial role in India’s major achievements, took to social media to express her emotions, stating that she wants to leave the sport while she is still at her best. With 320 international appearances and 158 goals, she retires as the most capped female hockey player in India’s history.

Vandana Katariya’s Emotional Retirement Message

In an Instagram post, Vandana Katariya shared her heartfelt farewell, expressing gratitude and love for the game. She clarified that her decision is not due to exhaustion but rather a personal choice to leave while still performing at her highest level.

A Glorious Career Spanning 15 Years

1. Journey in Indian Hockey

• Vandana Katariya made her senior team debut in 2009 and has been a crucial part of the Indian squad for over a decade.
• She played a pivotal role in India’s success on the international stage and was often seen as a game-changer for the team.

2. Tokyo 2020 Olympics – A Defining Moment

• One of her biggest career milestones came during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat-trick in Olympic hockey history.
• India secured a historic fourth-place finish, their best-ever performance at the Games.

3. Major Achievements

• 320 international appearances – most capped Indian women’s hockey player.
• 158 international goals – one of the top scorers in Indian hockey.
• Part of India’s Asian Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games campaigns.

Not the End – A New Beginning

While retiring from international hockey, Vandana Katariya clarified that she will continue playing in domestic leagues, including the Hockey India League.

Summary of Vandana Katariya’s Retirement

Category	Details
Who Retired?	Vandana Katariya
Sport	Field Hockey
Total International Caps	320
Total Goals	158
Debut Year	2009
Major Achievement	First Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick (Tokyo 2020)
Retirement Date	April 2, 2024
Reason for Retirement	Wants to step away at the peak of her career
Future Plans	Continue playing in domestic leagues