Vandana Katariya, the most experienced Indian women’s hockey player, on Tuesday decided to call it a day and make way for youngsters as Hockey India (HI) prepares to build the team for the World Cup and Asian Games – both in 2026 – and eventually the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

With 320 international caps and 158 goals in a span of 13 years, the 32-year-old striker’s story is a journey of sheer grit and resilience that saw the 32-year-old emerge from socio-economic backwardness to guide India to successive Olympic Games after a gap of 36 years.

Speaking from Mumbai, the Haridwar resident discusses what led to her decision, her journey with the Indian team and the newer crop of forwards. Excerpts:

What led you to make that choice?

It wasn't an easy choice. The idea popped into my head, and I made the call on the spot. I was reflecting on my future, the team's future, and the coach's vision moving forward. The younger players are really stepping up. I just wasn't feeling secure in my role on the team anymore. So, I made the decision to retire.

What do you mean when you say you're not feeling well?

I found myself dwelling on things I couldn't control. At the same time, I wanted to support the coach's vision for the team and the players lined up for the future. However, I realized I didn't have much time to spare. So, I decided to go my own way.

So, what are the plans of Coach Harendra Singh and HI?

They’re looking to build a strong team for the future, and the young players are really stepping up. The goal is to make it to the Olympics. I’m always prepared to represent my country. This is a choice I made on my own. Honestly, I’m not sure how the thought even popped into my mind. Right now, I’m still processing everything.

When did you let the staff and team know?

I let the coach know the day before. It's a huge decision for any player when a long journey comes to an end. We’ve been like a family, and then just like that, it’s all over. The girls were taken aback. The team has always supported me because of our shared commitment and love for the game and women’s hockey. They’ve always had my back and motivated me to succeed.

What’s your perspective on the growth of women’s hockey in India since you began in 2012?

Back in the day, I had no idea India would achieve such great success. When we first started, we were still figuring things out. Our new coach, Neil Hawgood, had just arrived from Australia. Gradually, the system evolved, like playing for three minutes, swapping players, and then going back in. We had to keep adapting, which ultimately helped us qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. After that, we began to see some real results. We snagged gold at the 2017 Asia Cup and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, where we finished fourth. Building a solid team took time, but now we have one. You saw how we performed in the Pro League, even beating the world’s top team. I’m confident that this team will bring home medals at major events. The girls are incredibly focused.

What do you think about the young strikers you've helped develop?

Lalremsiami, Navneet (Kaur), Sangita (Kumari), Baljeet (Kaur), and Deepika, who’s also a drag-flicker, are all impressive players. They have a strong desire to learn and whenever we chat, they’re eager to soak up knowledge. They’re always up for extra practice and are mindful of their diet and fitness. When a player understands how to thrive in a high-performance setting and maintains discipline, it really benefits the team. They observe, ask questions, and know how to keep their performance levels high. I’d share tips on improving their finishing skills, taking more shots on goal in the D, and how that can enhance the team’s performance and results. It was a pleasure to play alongside them.

What’s a moment you’ll never forget?

It's tough to choose just one highlight. Back in 2013, we snagged a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup. Then in 2017, we took home the gold at the Asia Cup. Let's not forget the Tokyo Olympics, where we finished fourth, and that epic hat-trick against South Africa. So many amazing moments to look back on!

What about the lowest point?

Just a month before the Tokyo Olympics, as we were gearing up, the pandemic hit. I lost my father, who was my biggest supporter. It felt like I had lost everything. I shared everything with him, and on top of that, I was dealing with an ankle injury, unsure if I’d ever be able to compete again. I couldn’t even attend my father’s funeral. During that tough time, my team really stepped up for me. They’ve always been like family, which makes it hard to say goodbye. Beyond that, I’ve faced many challenges in my life, including numerous injuries. There were moments when I was hurt so badly that it changed my appearance. I’ve broken teeth, had multiple cuts, and fractured both my arm and leg. There were times I considered giving up, but the thought of representing my country kept me motivated.

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