Vandana Kataria Retires from Hockey: ‘This Is Just the Beginning’

Vandana Kataria, the legendary player and captain of the Indian women's hockey team, has announced her retirement. Padma Shri awardee Vandana Kataria has contributed to the Indian hockey team for almost a decade. Vandana Kataria has said that she is retiring only from international hockey. She will continue to play in the Hockey India League. Vandana Kataria won the gold medal for India in the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016. She was the captain of the team in that tournament. In 2018, she was the Player of the Tournament in the same tournament. She has played more than 300 matches for India.

Vandana Kataria Calls Time on Career: ‘My Story Isn’t Over Yet’  
Vandana Katariya wrote on her official Instagram page, "Today, with a heavy but grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey. It is a decision that is both bittersweet and empowering. I am leaving not because the fire inside me has faded or the hockey in me has died down, but because I want to retire at the peak of my career, while I am still at my best."

‘Not the End, But…’: Vandana Kataria Announces Hockey Retirement  
She further added, "This is not a goodbye born of exhaustion; it is a choice to leave the international stage on my own 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 colours will always resonate in my soul. To my fans - you incredible, passionate warriors of the Vandana Kataria Hockey Fan family - your unwavering love and cheer have been my strength through every triumph and test."

Hockey Star Vandana Kataria Retires

Vandana Katariya further writes, "This is not the end of my story - it is a new beginning. I am not hanging up my stick; I will continue to play, score and inspire in the Hockey India League and beyond. The field will still feel my footsteps and my passion for this game will never diminish. Today, I am retiring from international hockey, but I will carry every memory, every lesson and every drop of love with me."