It is perhaps Vandana’s style not to make a fuss about anything off the field. So, when Vandana announced her retirement on Tuesday, she did it silently. She knew it was time to step away, but for Indian hockey fans, it came as a shock. In a career spanning 15 years, Vandana played 320 games for the national team and scored 158 goals.
Born in Uttarakhand, Vandana made her senior team debut in 2009 at the Four-Nation Spar Cup in South Africa at just 17. The team unfortunately finished fourth, but Vandana made her mark with one goal in the tournament.
It was an era where success was rare for the Indian women’s hockey team. With a shift in federation leadership came a shift in the mindset of Indian hockey. The Indian women’s team started fielding younger players with an eye on the future. It was not long before Vandana and her teammates got their first taste of success.
Five Key Moments Of Her Career
India’s Top Goal Scorer in the Junior World Cup
Vandana’s first big success came in the Junior World Cup 2013. The team that had last tasted success in the 2002 Commonwealth Games went on to finish third in the World Cup. The event was memorable for Vandana as she emerged as the top goal scorer for the Indian team with five goals.
2014 Asian Games Bronze
Vandana continued her form from 2013 into 2014, where she scored three crucial goals to help India win the bronze medal in the Asian Games. She scored the decisive goal in the bronze medal match against Japan to help India win its first medal since 1982.
Spanish Hockey Federation 100th Anniversary Tournament
Vandana Katariya was part of the team that won the Spanish Hockey Federation’s 100th anniversary tournament. Despite having a quiet tournament in terms of goals, she was easily India’s best player on the field. She scored just one goal, but it came against hosts Spain in the final.
2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze
Vandana was once again the top goal scorer for India in the 2022 Commonwealth Games with four goals. India had last won a CWG medal in 2006 and was eager to break the long drought. They had come close in 2018, finishing fourth. Thanks to Vandana’s exploits in the tournament, India ended up winning a medal after 12 years.
Hat-trick in 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Vandana etched her name in history at the Tokyo Olympics with a stunning hat-trick against South Africa. Her three goals were not just a personal milestone but a lifeline for India, keeping their semi-final dreams alive. It was a rare feat in Indian women’s hockey, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered the most.
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Finding Identity in Rani’s Shadow
In another universe, songs would have been written about Vandana and her goal-scoring abilities. However, the era belonged to another Indian great, Rani Rampal. Even Vandana would acknowledge that Rani was the standout player of the past two decades. Rani’s leadership and skill brought Indian women’s hockey into the limelight, setting new standards for the sport. Vandana played a key role alongside Rani, helping India rise as a competitive force.
A Legacy That Inspires
Vandana Katariya’s career is a testament to perseverance and excellence. From a young girl in Uttarakhand to becoming one of India’s top goal scorers, she has inspired countless aspiring hockey players. Her contributions to Indian hockey will be remembered, and even as she steps away, her legacy will inspire future generations. Hockey fans will still be able to see her in Hockey India League.
