Veteran women hockey forward Vandana Katariya retires from international hockey

Indian women's hockey legend Vandana Katariya retires at the peak of her career after 15 years and 320 international appearances.

Indian women's team stalwart Vandana Katariya bid farewell to international hockey on Tuesday, stating that she is stepping away at the "zenith" of her 15-year illustrious career.

Katariya, the 32-year-old veteran striker with 320 international appearances and 158 goals to her name, leaves as the most capped player in the history of Indian women's hockey.

"Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey -- a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering.

"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," Katariya wrote in an Instagram post.

"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 colours will forever echo in my soul," she added.

Katariya, 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.

"To my teammates, my sisters-in-arms, your camaraderie and trust have fuelled my spirit. To my coaches and mentors, your wisdom and faith in me have shaped my path."