All posts tagged: Vandana

Chhattisgarh tops February national ranking under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana| India News

Chhattisgarh tops February national ranking under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana| India News

Published by Parlour News

Raipur: Chhattisgarh has secured the first position among bigger states in the February 2026 national ranking under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, marking a significant milestone in the field of women’s health, nutrition and empowerment, officials said on Wednesday. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. (PTI) Chhattisgarh recorded 93.37 per cent enrollment, an approval rate of 83.87 per cent, and 93.95 per cent timely grievance redressal, reflecting the state’s efficient implementation of the scheme, an official release stated. The proportion of cases pending for more than 30 days remained limited to 7.07 per cent, while the pending grievance rate stood at only 4.96 per cent, indicating effective monitoring and transparent service delivery, it said. Notably, the state improved its position by six ranks compared to the previous month, emerging as the top-performing state in the country, it added. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the honour reflects the state’s sustained commitment to strengthening maternal welfare programmes. Sai congratulated officials, employees, Anganwadi workers and field-level staff of the Women and Child Development Department, stressing that …

BJP’s Vandana Magre elected unopposed as first mayor of Jalna civic body

BJP’s Vandana Magre elected unopposed as first mayor of Jalna civic body

Published by Webster

BJP`s newly elected corporator Vandana Magre was elected unopposed as the first mayor of Maharashtra’s Jalna Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Friday, as no rival party nominated a candidate against her. Another BJP corporator, Rajesh Raut, was also elected unopposed as deputy mayor, reported news agency PTI.  Both leaders will serve a 15-month tenure, after which the party plans to give other aspirants an opportunity, a local leader said. Friday was the last day for filing nomination forms for both posts. The formal announcement of their election will be made on Monday, a civic official said. In May 2023, the state government elevated the status of the Jalna Municipal Council to that of a municipal corporation. Last month’s municipal polls were the first elections of the Jalna civic body since the elevation. In the 65-member JMC, the BJP secured a majority by winning 41 seats, while Shiv Sena won 12 seats, Congress nine, the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) two seats, and one seat went to an independent. As no nominations were filed by other parties …

Delhi govt launches ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana’ scheme, offers Rs 10 lakh free health cover to senior citizens

Delhi govt launches ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana’ scheme, offers Rs 10 lakh free health cover to senior citizens

Published by Webster

Ayushman Vay Vandana: Under this scheme, yearly medical assistance worth Rs 5 lakh will be provided free of cost. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh coverage will be provided under the Delhi government’s scheme, making the total health cover Rs 10 lakh. New Delhi: In a major move to support the elderly, the Delhi government on Monday rolled out the ‘Ayushman Vay Vandana’ scheme, offering free medical treatment worth up to Rs 10 lakh for citizens aged 70 years and above. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, distributed the first Vay Vandana cards to beneficiaries during a special event in the capital. Under this initiative, eligible seniors will receive free medical assistance of Rs 5 lakh annually. Additionally, another Rs 5 lakh coverage will be provided under a separate Delhi government scheme, effectively doubling the health protection to a total of Rs 10 lakh. “This is the first programme of its kind under the triple engine model, and I thank Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi for respecting our elderly with this health …

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 …

Vandana Katariya, India’s most capped women’s player, announces retirement from international hockey

Vandana Katariya, India’s most capped women’s player, announces retirement from international hockey

Published by Webster

Vandana Katariya has announced her retirement from international hockey, calling it the toughest decision. This is by no means the end of her hockey career as she will continue to play in the women’s Hockey India League (HIL). Vandana Katariya has decided to bring curtains down on her international career after 15 years. She played hockey for India in a staggering 320 matches at the international level and is the country’s most capped player in women’s hockey. Vandana scored 158 goals in the blue jersey and was also part of the Indian team that historically finished fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  The 32-year-old took to Instagram to reveal the decision of her retirement from international hockey calling it both ‘bittersweet and empowering’. “Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey — a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering. I’m not stepping away because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, but because I want to bow out at my zenith, …

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 …

Hockey: Vandana Katariya announces retirement

Hockey: Vandana Katariya announces retirement

Published by Webster

India’s highest capped women’s hockey player Vandana Katariya announced her retirement from the sport on Tuesday. Katariya played 320 matches for India over more than a decade long career, scoring 158 goals in the process. She was one of the stand out players as India earned a historic fourth place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics four years ago. “Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey — a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering,” Katariya wrote in a long social media post. “I’m stepping away not because the fire in me has dimmed or the hockey in my tank has run dry, but because I want to bow out at the zenith of my career, while I’m still at my very best. “This isn’t a goodbye born out of exhaustion; it’s a choice to leave the international stage on my terms, with my head held high and my stick still blazing. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of every goal, and the pride of wearing India’s …