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Star India player, Vandana Katariya on April 1 announced retirement from hockey, bringing curtains down to her 15-year-long elaborated career. The 32-year-old, who is country’s most capped player in women’s hockey, has played 320 matches at the international level for India. Out of his 320 matches, Vandana has scored 158 goals in the blue jersey and was part of the Indian team which finished fourth at 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The 32-year-old veteran of the sport, took to her Instagram handle to announce her decision. While she called it a “bittersweet and empowering” moment at the same time, put down curtains with a “heavy heart”.
Vandhana Katariya ends 15-year career as India’s most capped player
Taking to her social media handle, Vandhana wrote, "Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey -- a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering. I'm not stepping away because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, but because I want to bow out at my zenith, while I'm still at my very best.”
"This isn't a goodbye born out of exhaustion; it's a choice to leave the international stage on my terms, with my head held high and my stick still blazing. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of every goal, and the pride of wearing India's colors will forever echo in my soul," she further added.
The 32-year-old further added that she will not stop playing the sport as she continues to feature in the Hockey India League and beyond. “I'm not hanging up my stick. I'll keep playing, keep scoring, and keep inspiring in the Hockey India League and beyond. The turf will still feel my footsteps, and my passion for this game will never fade. Today, I retire from international hockey, but I carry forward every memory, every lesson, and every ounce of love you've given me. Thank you for being my family, my fuel, and my forever teammates in spirit,” she concluded.
The legend forward, who made her debut at the highest level in 2009, has played a crucial role in helping India at multiple levels. She is also the first and the only Indian woman so far to score a hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics.
