Hockey legend Vandana Katariya declares worldwide retirement: ‘I need to bow out at zenith of my profession’

Vandana Katariya, considered one of India’s most iconic ladies’s hockey gamers, has introduced her retirement from worldwide hockey, ending a 15-year profession on the zenith of her success.

At 32, Vandana leaves behind an illustrious legacy, with 320 worldwide appearances and 158 targets, making her the most-capped participant within the historical past of Indian ladies’s hockey.

In an emotional Instagram publish, Vandana wrote: “At this time, with a heavy but grateful coronary heart, I announce my retirement from worldwide hockey. I’m stepping away not as a result of the fireplace in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, however as a result of I need to bow out on the zenith of my profession, whereas I’m nonetheless at my best.”

Her choice to retire is a aware one: “This isn’t a goodbye born out of exhaustion; it’s a alternative to depart the worldwide stage on my phrases, with my head held excessive and my stick nonetheless blazing.”

Vandana expressed gratitude to those that supported her, together with teammates and mentors. She additionally paid tribute to her late father:

“To my late father — my rock, my guiding mild — with out you, this dream would have remained out of attain.”

Although she’s retiring from worldwide competitors, Vandana will not be stepping away from the game.

“I’m not hanging up my stick; I’ll preserve enjoying, preserve scoring, and preserve inspiring within the Hockey India League and past.”

Her ardour for the sport stays robust, and he or she plans to proceed making her mark on the turf.

“At this time, I retire from worldwide hockey, however I carry ahead each reminiscence, each lesson, and each ounce of affection you’ve given me. Thanks for being my household, my gas, and my perpetually teammates in spirit,” Vandana concluded.