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India's most-capped woman hockey player, Vandana Katariya, announced her retirement from international hockey on April 1. The veteran strike who has scored 158 goals from 320 appearances said that she is not retiring because of exhaustion but wants to step away on her own terms.
"Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey -- a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering," Katariya wrote in an Instagram post.
"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 added.
The 32-year-old holds the record for the only Indian woman to score a hat-trick at Olympic Games during the Tokyo edition in 2021. She cherishes India's fourth-place finish.
"I still get goosebumps thinking about Tokyo. The Olympics are special, and that match against South Africa was one of the most emotional games of my life. The hat-trick was special, but more than that, it was about proving that we belonged on that stage," she said.
Katariya to play in Hockey India League
Katariya is not stepping away from hockey entirely. She confirmed that she will continue to play in the Hockey India League.
"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.
Katariya's achievements and last international appearance
Katariya was part of India's silver medal-winning teams in Asian Games 2018 and the Asian Champions Trophy's 2013 and 2018 editions. In addition, she got the bronze medal in Commonwealth Games 2022 and 2014, 2022 editions of Asian Games. She won the bronze medal in FIH Pro League 2021-22.
Her last appearance in Indian colours was against England. India beat England 3-2 on February 15.
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