Hockey India recently celebrated two legendary players, Vandana Katariya and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, for their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. Both players recently retired from international hockey, marking the end of remarkable careers that inspired many young athletes and fans across the country.
The event took place in Rajgir, Bihar, during the ongoing Men’s Asia Cup 2025. As a special gesture, Hockey India awarded Rs 5 lakh to each player in recognition of their dedication and service to Indian hockey.
Vandana Katariya, who retired in April after more than 15 years of playing at the highest level, is one of India’s most famous women hockey players. She represented India in 320 international matches and scored 158 goals. Vandana’s career was filled with memorable moments, including India’s impressive fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She made history as the first Indian woman to score a hat-trick at the Olympics, earning widespread praise for her skill and determination.
Expressing her gratitude, Vandana said, “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to wear the Indian jersey. Hockey has given me so much, and I will always cherish these memories. I am thankful to Hockey India for this honor, and I couldn’t have achieved anything without my teammates, family, coaches, support staff, and fans. They all played a big role in my journey.”
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who announced his retirement in June, concluded a stellar 11-year career. Starting in 2014, Lalit played in 183 matches and scored 67 goals for India. Known as a talented playmaker, Lalit was especially important in India’s success at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, where India won bronze medals.
Talking about his journey, Lalit said, “I’m incredibly proud to have been part of some of Indian hockey’s biggest moments. From a small village in Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium, it’s been a dream come true. I thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone at Hockey India. I will always support hockey and look forward to giving back to the sport in any way I can.”
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey praised both players, highlighting their roles as ambassadors of Indian hockey. “Vandana and Lalit have inspired millions with their fearless performances and dedication. Vandana’s inspiring journey and Lalit’s agility have made significant contributions to Indian hockey. We thank them for everything they have done for the sport,” he said.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also shared his admiration, saying, “Both Vandana and Lalit symbolize the resilience and determination of Indian hockey. Their hard work has motivated many young players, and we are proud to honor them. We wish them success in their future endeavors.”
This recognition by Hockey India celebrates the remarkable careers of Vandana Katariya and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, inspiring the next generation of hockey players across India.
