~ Lalit and Vandana recently announced their retirement of international hockey ~
Rajgir, 5 September 2025: Hockey India today congratulated two loyal Indian hockey – former Indian ladies hockey team Vooruit Vandana Katarya and former Indian men’s hockey team Vooruit Lalit Kumar Upadhyay – for their excellent contributions to the sport. Both players had recently announced their retirement of international hockey, which marked the end of two illustrious careers that inspired both a generation of players and fans.
Congratulation took place in Rajgir on the sidelines of the ongoing Hero Men’s Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025. As a token of appreciation, Hockey India Checks of RS 5 Lakh each presented Vandana and Lalit, who recognized their dedication and service to the national teams.
Vandana Katariya, who officially retired in April, closed a shimmering career that included more than 15 years. With 320 international caps and 158 goals, she leaves as the most covered player in the history of Indian ladies hockey. Since her senior team debut in 2009, Vandana is in the lead in the biggest milestones of Indian Hockey, the most memorable the historic finish of India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she became the first and only Indian woman who scored a hat trick at the Games.
Thinking about the honor, Vandana Katariya said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to wear the India sweater and represent my country. Hockey has given me everything, and I will cherish these memories forever. And celebrated with every victory.
In the meantime, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who announced his retirement in June, set the curtain down on a great career that started in 2014. For more than 11 years, Lalit played 183 games for India, scored 67 goals and it earned a reputation as a natural player and a big match performance. He played a crucial role in India’s bronze medal triumphs at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and became one of the most reliable attackers of his generation.
Lalit Upadhyay said on congratulation: “I feel incredibly proud of being part of some of the most historical moments in the Indian hockey. From a small village in Varanasi to standing on the Olympic stage, the journey has been really special. Represented India on the highest level on the highest level, I am always a dream, and I am a dream, and I am and I am a dream, and I am always a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am a dream, and I am family, and I am a dream, and I am family, and I am a family sincers and staff and my family, and my family, and my family, and I am a family fellow family, and I am a dream, and my family, and staff and my family, and my family, and I am family sincers, and I am a family sincerses, and I have been supporting, and staff. Hokkijkers, and Hokkijkers, and I always have a dream of them, and I will always be there to give back to hockey that hockey finds me the most suitable. “
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey praised the duo and explained: “Vandana and Lalit have been exceptional ambassadors for Indian Hockey. Vandana inspired millions with her fearless versions and her incredible journey, while Lalit’s Flair and consistency brought very necessary for their immensia and in crucial similarities.”
Hockey India Secretary -General Bola Nath Singh added: “Both Vandana and Lalit embodies the spirit of Indian hockey – resilience, determination and excellence. Their dedication has not only brought laurels into the land, but has also been aware of them in their future. Endabs. “
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