Veteran Forward Vandana Katariya Announces Retirement from International Hockey

Vandana Katariya, a stalwart of the Indian women's team, announced her retirement from international hockey, citing the "zenith" of her 15-year illustrious career. As the most-capped player in Indian women's hockey history, Katariya, a 32-year-old veteran striker with 320 international appearances and 158 goals, is retiring.

"I make the bittersweet yet empowering decision to retire from international hockey today, with a heavy but thankful heart."

Katariya posted on her Instagram account, saying, "I'm stepping away because I want to bow out at the pinnacle of my career, while I'm still at my very best, not because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry."

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of each goal, and the pride of wearing India's colors will live on in my soul forever, she continued. "This is not a farewell born of exhaustion; it is a decision to leave the international stage on my own terms, with my head held high and my stick still blazing."

Katariya, who is from Roshnabad, Haridwar, last played for India in the FIH Pro League's Bhubaneswar leg in February.

"... And to my late father - my rock, my guiding light - without you, this dream would have been impossible to achieve; your sacrifices and love have served as my foundation." She wrote, "You've given me a platform to dream, fight, and win."

"However, this marks a new beginning rather than the conclusion of my story. I'll keep playing, scoring goals, and inspiring in the Hockey India League and elsewhere; I'm not going to hang up my stick. My passion for this game will last, and my footsteps will still be felt on the field. I will take with me every memory, lesson, and ounce of love you have given me as I retire from international hockey today. Thank you for being my family, my fuel, and my eternal teammates in spirit," she concluded.