Wandana Katariya, the highest number of Indian hockey player on her 15 -year international career on Tuesday, brought curtains to her famous 15 -year -old international career, saying her decision made in Zenith was both “bitter and empowered”. The 32 -year -old veteran striker represented India in 320 international sports, scoring 158 goals. She was also a part of the Indian team who liked the fourth position at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. “Today, with a heavy but grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey,” Kataria wrote in an Instagram post.
“I am not getting away because the fire is reduced to me or the hockey has dried up in my tank, but because I want to bow down to my adornment, while I am still doing my best.
He added, “This is not a fatigue -born goodbye. It is a choice to leave the international phase on my terms, my head has been kept at a height and my stick is still burning.
After the senior debut in 2009, Kataria, a pillar of Indian hockey, played a vital role in explaining the moments of the game. She became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat -trick at the Tokyo Games.
“I still get goose bips thinking about Tokyo. The Olympics are special, and that the match against South Africa was the most emotional game of my life. The hat -trick was special, but even more, it was about to prove that we belong to this stage.”
However, this is not the end of her hockey journey as she will continue to play in the Hockey India League.
“I am not hanging my sticks. I will continue to play, score, and will be affected by the Hockey India League and beyond. The Turf will still feel my footsteps, and my hobby for this game will never end.
He said, “Today, I retire from international hockey, but I move you every remembrance, every lesson, and every ounce.
Hockey India President Dilip Turkey called him the heartbeat of an Indian invasion.
“Vandana was not just a goal scorer,” he said in a high release. She was a heartbeat, tireless worker, and an example of the Indian attack. “
“His presence in the forward line has provided India with one edge, especially in high pressure conditions and in the rise of the team globally. He has established a standard for future generations.” Its effects on Indian hockey made Kataria a privilege at Padma Shri and Arjun Awards. He played a vital role in winning the gold medals in the 2016 and 2023 women’s Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Women’s Nation Cup in 2022.
She was also part of a silver winning squad in the 2018 Asian Games and 2013 and 2018 Asian Champions Trophy. In addition, he won bronze medals at 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2014 and 2022 Asian Games, and 2021-22 FIH Pro League.
“For my fellow colleagues, my sisters, arms, your comrades and trust have given my soul to my souls,” Katariya wrote. My coaches and teachers, your wisdom and my confidence, have created their path. “
Kataria, who hails from Haridwar, Haridwar, played his last match for India during the FIH Pro League’s Bhubaneshwar League in February.
“And my late father – my rock, my guidance light – without you, this dream is far from reaching. Your sacrifices and love have been my foundation. You have given me a platform for dreaming, fighting and winning.”
(In addition to the headline, this story has not been edited by the NDTV staff and has been published from the Syndicated Feed.)
Titles mentioned in this article
