Vandana Katariya, Lalit Upadhyay Honoured By Hockey India Following Retirements

Former Indian internationals Vandana Katariya and Lalit Upadhyay were felicitated by Hockey India for their contributions to the game following their recent retirements from the sport on Friday.

Kataria and Upadhyay were presented with Rs 5 Lakhs each on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, for their efforts towards the improvement of the sport in the nation.

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“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to wear the India jersey and represent my country. Hockey has given me everything, and I will cherish these memories forever,” Katariya said.

Vandana, who retired in April, concluded a career spanning over 15 years with 320 international appearances and 158 goals — the highest by any Indian woman.

A key figure in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, she remains the only Indian woman to have scored a hat-trick at the Games.

Lalit, who ended his career in June, represented India in 183 matches since his debut in 2014, scoring 67 goals.

He was part of the teams that won bronze medals at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

“I feel incredibly proud to have been part of some of the most historic moments in Indian hockey. From a small village in Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium, the journey has been truly special,” he said.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey praised the duo as “exceptional ambassadors for Indian hockey,” while secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said their careers reflected the “resilience and excellence” of the sport in the country.