Vandana Katariya

Last Updated: November 1, 2023

Vandana Katariya is a notable Indian field hockey player, recognized for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. Born on April 15, 1992, in Roshnabad, Haridwar, which is now in Uttarakhand, Vandana has made a significant impact on the field of hockey.

With a height of 1.59 meters and weighing 50 kilograms, Vandana plays as a forward, showcasing her agility and prowess on the field. She currently represents the Railways in her senior career.

Vandana’s journey to prominence began in 2006 when she made her debut in the Indian junior team. Over the years, she honed her skills and joined the senior national team in 2010, marking the start of an impressive career.

One of Vandana’s standout moments occurred in the 2013 Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup, where she emerged as India’s top goal-scorer. Her remarkable performance contributed to India securing a bronze medal in the tournament, with Vandana notching five goals, ranking third among all players.

Throughout her career, Vandana Katariya has played in more than 200 international matches, earning a reputation as a formidable force in field hockey. She was a vital part of the Indian team that clinched a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games and also represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics, showcasing her skills on the global stage.

Vandana’s dedication to the sport is evident in her commitment to excellence. She cites Argentine legend Luciana Aymar as her favorite player, drawing inspiration from the best in the field.

In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the world of sports, Vandana Katariya was honored with the Padma Shri in March 2022, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. This prestigious accolade acknowledges her outstanding achievements and dedication to her craft.

Born to Nahar Singh, who works as a master technician at BHEL, Haridwar, Vandana hails from Roshnabad in Haridwar district. Her journey from a junior international debut in 2006 to becoming a key figure in the senior national team highlights her dedication and determination.

Vandana’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, with the bronze medal at the 2013 Junior World Cup in Mönchengladbach being one of her most cherished moments. Her 100th cap, earned during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, is a testament to her enduring excellence.

In the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Vandana etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick in hockey. Her exceptional talent and perseverance have made her a role model for aspiring athletes.

Despite her accomplishments, Vandana Katariya has faced challenges and prejudices. Her family was subjected to casteist slurs after India’s loss to Argentina in the Olympics, highlighting the need for inclusivity and respect in the world of sports.

Notably, Vandana was appointed as the brand ambassador of the center’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Andolan’ on August 8, 2021, reflecting her commitment to social causes and her role as a symbol of empowerment for women.

Vandana Katariya’s journey in field hockey is a testament to her skill, determination, and resilience, making her a celebrated figure in the world of sports.

Vandana Katariya Achievements:

1. 2013 Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup: Vandana emerged as India’s top goal-scorer in this tournament, helping the team secure a bronze medal with her five goals.
2. 2014 Asian Games: She was part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
3. 2016 Rio Olympics: Vandana represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics, showcasing her skills on the global stage.
4. 2014 Commonwealth Games: During the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, she earned her 100th cap.
5. 2014–15 FIH Hockey World League: Vandana finished as the top-scorer with 11 goals in the Round 2 of this tournament, contributing to India’s victory.
6. 2018 Asian Champion Trophy: The Indian team, under her participation, won a silver medal, with Vandana receiving the Player of the Tournament award.
7. 2020 Summer Olympics: Vandana made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick in hockey during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
8. Padma Shri Award: In recognition of her distinguished contribution to sports, Vandana Katariya was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in March 2022.
9. Brand Ambassador for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Andolan’: In August 2021, she was appointed as the brand ambassador for this social initiative, highlighting her role as an advocate for women’s empowerment.

These achievements reflect Vandana Katariya’s exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the field of field hockey in India and beyond.