NEW DELHI, April 2 -- Vandana Katariya, the most experienced Indian women's hockey player, on Tuesday decided to call it a day 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 her 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:
It was difficult. The thought just came to me, and I took th...