All posts tagged: Vandana Katariya

Shrachi Bengal Tigers Edge SG Pipers in Shootout to Seal Women’s HIL Final Spot

Shrachi Bengal Tigers Edge SG Pipers in Shootout to Seal Women’s HIL Final Spot

Published by Webster

Shrachi Bengal Tigers booked their place in the Women’s Hockey India League 2025–26 final after edging past SG Pipers 0-0 (7-6) in a tense sudden-death shootout in Ranchi on Monday. The result earned the Tigers a crucial bonus point and set up a repeat clash against the Pipers in the summit showdown. In a striking repeat of their earlier league meeting, the contest once again ended goalless in regulation time before being decided in sudden death. While the outcome was decisive for the Tigers, the match carried little consequence for SG Pipers, who had already secured qualification for the final thanks to their commanding position at the top of the standings. Both teams began with intent in an evenly matched first quarter, trading early attacks. Shrachi Bengal Tigers earned an early penalty corner but failed to convert, while the Pipers responded with sustained possession and circle entries without finding a breakthrough. Goalkeepers dominate as shootout decides outcome The second and third quarters saw the Tigers apply consistent pressure, only to be denied repeatedly by SG …

Two years filled with Indian sporting retirements

Two years filled with Indian sporting retirements

Published by Webster

A remarkable year of sporting transitions marks the Indian sporting landscape as legendary players hang up their national jerseys, closing pivotal chapters in their extraordinary careers. The period between 2024 and 2025 witnessed an unprecedented exodus of sporting icons across multiple disciplines, with veterans from hockey, tennis, badminton, football, and wrestling announcing their retirements. Each athlete brought a unique narrative of triumph, resilience, and unparalleled national pride to their farewell, leaving an indelible mark on Indian sports history. Hockey Hockey emerged as the most represented sport in this retirement wave. PR Sreejesh, widely regarded as one of India’s finest goalkeepers, concluded his illustrious 18-year international career after securing a historic back-to-back Olympic medal finish. His final match on August 8, 2024, during the Paris Olympics bronze medal game, was a fitting tribute to a career defined by extraordinary reflexes and leadership. Sreejesh’s journey from being a junior goalkeeper to becoming a national sporting icon symbolizes perseverance and dedication. Alongside Sreejesh, Vandana Katariya retired as the most celebrated women’s hockey player, boasting an extraordinary record of …

VK16, a special-edition hockey stick named after Vandana Katariya

VK16, a special-edition hockey stick named after Vandana Katariya

Published by Webster

In a landmark moment for Indian and global hockey, Alfa Hockey on Tuesday unveiled the VK16 – Pink Edition, a special-edition hockey stick named after one of India’s most iconic players, Vandana Katariya. The stick pays tribute to Vandana’s exceptional legacy and her contributions to the sport, marking a first in the world of field hockey — never before has a player, anywhere in the world, had a stick named in their honour. The VK16 – Pink Edition honours her journey and the barriers she has broken in Indian sport. In a first for global hockey, this stick will be available for purchase and play by fans and aspiring players alike, giving everyone the opportunity to wield a piece of legacy on the field. It is not just a collector’s item – it’s a fully functional, high-performance stick crafted for serious play. Alfa Hockey, a homegrown brand known for its commitment to innovation and athlete-first products, sees this launch as more than a product release – it’s a celebration of resilience, leadership, and excellence. Jitin …

Vandana Katariya after calling time

Vandana Katariya after calling time

Published by Webster

With 320 appearances and a career spanning 16 years, Vandana Katariya is one of the most decorated players in the Indian women’s hockey history. Her team’s performance at the Tokyo Olympics is among the most memorable moments for the Indian forward. She started from a small village in Haridwar and played with a wooden stick donated to her by a senior. Her journey from grass turf, to her first flight, she lived it all thanks to hockey. The 32-year-old leaves with gratitude and a heavy heart. Excerpts from the interview with The Bridge: How did you suddenly decide to call it quits? Two days back, the thought of retirement came to my mind. I spoke to my friend Sushila Chanu and she suggested I give it another thought and wait a little before reaching a final decision. I see that a lot of youngsters are coming up with such stellar performances, they too deserve a chance. It was an emotional and a hard decision to take. But with a heavy heart, I told myself ‘a …

Hockey legend Vandana Katariya retires

Hockey legend Vandana Katariya retires

Published by Webster

Even with the usual full-fledged transition ongoing in women’s hockey with younger players being ushered in preparing for LA28 qualification, the 32-year-old has had it in her the fierce determination and ability to battle for the poaching forward’s slot. The Haridwar hurricane who ran like the wind and dived at goalmouth, undeterred by poking sticks, finished with 158 goals from 320 games and an Olympic hat-trick. But on Tuesday, the thought of stepping back that had been swirling for a few months was paused. Vandana, the first Indian woman to play over 300 games, took a snap-second decision – not unlike how she routinely barged into the D. Story continues below this ad “It’s always a tough decision, but it had to be taken at some point. I didn’t really talk to anyone about it, just acted on my emotion,” she would say on Tuesday, during marathon 5-hour long media interactions. “I’ve just been talking to the press since morning. Haven’t had time to think about future options – coaching, maybe, perhaps if I have …

The new gen strikers have the urge to learn, says Vandana Katariya | Hockey

The new gen strikers have the urge to learn, says Vandana Katariya | Hockey

Published by Parlour News

NEW DELHI: 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. India women’s hockey forward Vandana Katariya. (Hockey India) 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: How did you come to the decision? It was difficult. The thought just came to me, and I took the decision suddenly. I was thinking about my future, about the team’s future, the coach’s plan for the future. The youngsters are doing well. I …

Indian women’s hockey legend Vandana Katariya announces international retirement | Hockey News

Indian women’s hockey legend Vandana Katariya announces international retirement | Hockey News

Published by Webster

India’s women hockey stalwart Vandana Katariya has brought an end to her international career which spanned over 15 years. With 320 international caps and 158 goals to her name, Vandana leaves as the most capped Indian women’s player. And beyond the numbers, she leaves behind an inspiring legacy, a story of resilience, determination and relentless hunger to push Indian team to greater heights. The 32-year-old forward, who made her senior team debut in 2009, was an integral part of some of the most defining moments in the sport, including India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she became the first and only Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Games. Announcing her retirement, Vandana, who played her last match for India during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in February, shared the mix of emotions. “This decision wasn’t easy, but I know it’s the right time. Hockey has been my life for as long as I can remember, and wearing the Indian jersey was the greatest honour. But …

Savita Punia becomes second Indian woman hockey player to play 300 matches | Hockey News

Savita Punia becomes second Indian woman hockey player to play 300 matches | Hockey News

Published by Parlour News

Savita Punia became the second Indian female hockey player to play 300 matches for country on Monday. The Arjuna Awardee achieved this landmark during India’s match against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Savita now joins Vandana Katariya as one of only two Indian women to have played 300 international matches. Savita is only the second Indian goalkeeper, male or female, to achieve this feat after the legendary PR Sreejesh. Savita has been mainstay of the Indian women’s hockey for the past decade and has been among one of finest goalkeepers in the world since his debut at the age of the 20. She played a key role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, a campaign that elevated the team’s stature on the global stage. Her experience also proved invaluable in the Rio Olympics 2016 and the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, where India reached the Quarter-Finals. Savita also donned the captaincy role after the Tokyo Olympics and led India to …

FIH Hockey Pro League: Indian women find joy after tough few weeks, upset World No 3 Australia in an Olympics repeat | Hockey News

Published by Webster

Just the mention of India 1-0 Australia is enough for hockey fans to have warm memories. When the women’s team stunned the mighty Hockeyroos at the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals before – heartbreakingly – finishing fourth, they were the toast of the Indian sporting community. That day also came up a lot recently, in more wistful fashion, as Savita Punia and Co missed their flight to Paris for the 2024 edition. The result on Saturday night in Rourkela doesn’t change what happened in Ranchi at the Olympic Qualifiers, but India defeated Australia 1-0 once more, winning only for the second time in the ongoing FIH Pro League season. It lifted the spirits in the camp. For almost everyone associated with this team, from players to support staff, the last few weeks were perhaps the toughest in their lives, falling short of the bare minimum that was expected from them. Vandana Katariya’s superbly taken 34th-minute goal and a midfield masterclass from Navneet Kaur helped them defeat one of the Paris medal contenders. The goal itself came from …

FIH Hockey Pro League: ‘A lot of sadness’ Paris 2024 heartbreak still fresh, Indian women’s team face massive challenge in Odisha | Hockey News

Published by Webster

From Saturday, five of the top teams in women’s hockey – India, China, USA, Australia, and powerhouses Netherlands – will all be in action in Odisha over what promises to be a high-quality leg of the FIH Pro League 2023-’24. Over 20 matches, they will get to test each other at the biggest level at the start of an important year. Unfortunately for India, they are the only team among the five who won’t be at the Paris Olympics. The heartbreak of not qualifying for the marquee event from Ranchi still fresh, Savita Punia and Co return to action in a tournament that would have meant a whole lot otherwise. When India won the FIH Nations Cup in Spain to qualify for the Pro League, it was seen as a massive shot in the arm and a chance for quality preparation for the Olympics, but now they will have to find a way to pull themselves up and play largely for pride. Of course, there is a World Cup quota spot available for the winner …