Vandana Katariya announces Retirement from International Hockey at 32

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 2 April 2025

• Indian Women’s Hockey trailblazer, Vandana Katariya, announces Retirement
• Vandana Katariya Steps Down from International Hockey Matches
• Vandana Katariya is the First woman to score a hat trick at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Vandana Katariya, a trailblazer in Indian women's hockey, has announced her retirement from international hockey after an illustrious 15-year career. She announced her international retirement on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, mentioning that the decision was not easy, but it was the right time for her to step down from international matches.

Vandana made history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to score a hat trick, marking a historic achievement and inspiring many young athletes, particularly from small towns. The 32-year-old athlete debuted in 2009, showcasing a journey marked by resilience and determination.

Vandana Katariya, the most capped player in Indian women's hockey, has made 320 international appearances and scored 158 goals. She has represented India in two Olympic Games, namely Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020; two FIH Hockey Women's World Cups in 2018 and 2022; three Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022; and three Asian Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022. She has contributed significantly to the country's success in various international competitions, including gold medals at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup, silver medals at Asian Games and Women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2018, and bronze medals at Commonwealth Games 2022, Asian Games 2014 and 2022, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-2022.

On her retirement, Vandana pens down, "This decision was not easy, but I know it's the right time. Hockey has been my life for as long as I can remember, and wearing the Indian jersey was the greatest honour. But every journey has its course, and I leave with immense pride, gratitude, and love for the sport. Indian hockey is in great hands, and I will always be its biggest supporter."