India's star striker Vandana Katariya retires from international hockey

After making 320 senior international appearances and scoring 158 goals, the 32-year-old star India striker Vandana Katariya bid adieu to international hockey on Tuesday.
The announcement brought to an end a glittering 15-year career for Vandana in top-flight hockey, which saw her becoming the most experienced player in the Indian women's hockey history.
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"Today, with a heavy yet grateful heart, I announce my retirement from international hockey -- a decision that feels both bittersweet and empowering," she said in an Instagram 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."
Having commenced her senior team journey in 2009, Katariya established herself as an integral member of the team. Her remarkable achievement of being the first and only Indian woman to secure a hat-trick at the Olympics stands out, which came during the Tokyo Olympics, where India finished an unprecedented fourth.
"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.
"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."
"... And to my late father - my rock, my guiding light - without you, this dream would have remained out of reach; your sacrifices and love have been my foundation. You've given me a platform to dream, to fight, and to win," she wrote.
A native of Roshnabad in Haridwar, Katariya's final appearance in the Indian jersey came during the FIH Pro League matches held in Bhubaneswar in February.
Vandana said that she will continue to play in the Hockey India League, which saw its debut women's edition concluding recently.
"But this isn't the end of my story - it's a new beginning. I'm not hanging up my stick; I'll keep playing, keep scoring, and keep inspiring in the Hockey India League and beyond. The turf will still feel my footsteps, and my passion for this game will never fade.
"Today, I retire from international hockey, but I carry forward every memory, every lesson, and every ounce of love you've given me. Thank you for being my family, my fuel, and my forever teammates in spirit," she concluded.