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

April 1, 2025

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

Indian women’s hockey star Vandana Katariya said goodbye to international hockey. She decided to retire after 15 amazing years, calling it the “zenith” or top moment of her career. At 32 years old, Katariya has played 320 matches for India and scored 158 goals. That makes her the player with the most appearances in the history of Indian women’s hockey. Now, she’s stepping away from the international game, but she’s doing it on her own terms.

In a post on Instagram, Katariya shared her feelings. “Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey, a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering,” she wrote. She added, “I’m stepping away not because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, but because I want to bow out at the zenith of my career, while I’m still at my very best.” For Katariya, this isn’t about being tired. Instead, it’s about leaving while she’s still playing great hockey.

Katariya also said, “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.” She loves the excitement of the crowd, the joy of scoring goals, and the pride of wearing India’s colors. “Those feelings will stay with me forever,” she explained.

The curtains close on a stellar journey.

Vandana Katariya, a name that redefined Indian women’s hockey, bids farewell leaving behind a legacy etched in gold.

From the lanes of Roshnabad to earning over 300 international caps and scoring 158 goals, her journey has been nothing… pic.twitter.com/oze4p3rGPV

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 1, 2025

Her journey with the Indian team started back in 2009. Since then, she has been a big part of some special moments. For example, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, India finished fourth, a huge achievement. During that event, Katariya made history. She scored three goals in one match, becoming the first and only Indian woman to do that at the Olympics. That moment helped India reach the semifinals for the first time ever.

Born in Roshnabad, Haridwar, Katariya played her final match for India in February. It happened during the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar. Over the years, she has amazed fans with her speed, skills, and ability to score important goals. So, her retirement surprises many people. However, she wants to leave the international game while she’s still at her best.

In her Instagram post, Katariya thanked the people who helped her along the way. “To my teammates, my sisters-in-arms, your camaraderie and trust have fuelled my spirit,” she wrote. She also thanked her coaches, saying, “Your wisdom and faith in me have shaped my path.” Then, she shared a special message for her late father. “Without you, this dream would have stayed out of reach,” she said. “Your sacrifices and love have been my foundation. You gave me a chance to dream, to fight, and to win.”

But here’s some good news for her fans: Katariya isn’t leaving hockey completely. “I’m not hanging up my stick,” she said. “I’ll keep playing, keep scoring, and keep inspiring in the Hockey India League and beyond.” So, while she’s retiring from international matches, she’ll still play in other competitions. “The turf will still feel my footsteps, and my passion for this game will never fade,” she promised.

Katariya’s career has been incredible. She has shown young players, especially girls, that they can follow their dreams in hockey. As she steps away from the international team, her story will keep inspiring others. To end her post, she wrote, “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.”