Rajgir (Bihar) [India], September 6 (ANI): Hockey India on Friday felicitated two stalwarts of Indian Hockey – former Indian Women’s Hockey Team ahead Vandana Katariya and former Indian Men’s Hockey Team ahead Lalit Kumar Upadhyay – for his or her excellent contributions to the game.
Both gamers had lately introduced their retirements from worldwide hockey, marking the tip of two illustrious careers that impressed a era of gamers and followers alike.
The felicitation passed off in Rajgir on the sidelines of the continuing Hero Men’s Asia Cup, Rajgir, Bihar 2025. As a token of appreciation, Hockey India introduced cheques of Rs 5 lakh every to Vandana and Lalit, acknowledging their dedication and repair to the nationwide groups, in response to a press launch from Hockey India.
Vandana Katariya, who formally retired in April, concluded a glittering profession spanning greater than 15 years. With 320 worldwide caps and 158 targets, she departs because the most-capped participant in Indian girls’s hockey historical past. Since her senior staff debut in 2009, Vandana has been on the forefront of Indian hockey’s largest milestones, most memorably India’s historic fourth-place end on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the place she turned the primary and solely Indian lady to attain a hat-trick on the Games.
Reflecting on the honour, Vandana Katariya mentioned, ‘It has been the best privilege of my life to put on the India jersey and signify my nation. Hockey has given me every little thing, and I’ll cherish these reminiscences eternally. I’m deeply grateful to Hockey India for this recognition and, most significantly, to my teammates with whom I’ve shared each excessive and low over the previous 15 years. They have been like a household to me — we pushed one another, supported one another, and celebrated each victory collectively. Whatever I’ve achieved wouldn’t have been doable with out their perception, onerous work, and spirit. I’m equally grateful to my household, who stood firmly by my facet by means of each problem and sacrifice, and whose fixed encouragement gave me the energy to maintain shifting ahead. I additionally thank all my coaches, help workers, and followers who impressed me all through this journey, which has been actually unforgettable.’
Meanwhile, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, who introduced his retirement in June, introduced down the curtain on a stellar profession that started in 2014. Over 11 years, Lalit performed 183 matches for India, scoring 67 targets and incomes a repute as a pure playmaker and big-match performer. He performed a pivotal function in India’s Bronze medal triumphs on the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, changing into probably the most reliable forwards of his era.
Speaking on the felicitation, Lalit Upadhyay mentioned, ‘I really feel extremely proud to have been a part of a number of the most historic moments in Indian hockey. From a small village in Varanasi to standing on the Olympic podium, the journey has been actually particular. Representing India on the highest degree was at all times a dream, and I sincerely thank my household, coaches, teammates, help workers, and Hockey India for his or her fixed help. This honour belongs to all of them, and I’ll at all times be there to offer again to hockey in any means that Hockey India finds me greatest suited.’
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised the duo, stating, as quoted by the Hockey India press launch, ‘Vandana and Lalit have been distinctive ambassadors for Indian hockey. Vandana impressed thousands and thousands together with her fearless performances and her unbelievable journey, whereas Lalit’s aptitude and consistency introduced much-needed firepower to the boys’s staff in essential matches. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate them on their careers and thank them for his or her immense contributions to the game.’
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, ‘Both Vandana and Lalit embody the spirit of Indian hockey – resilience, dedication, and excellence. Their dedication has not solely introduced laurels to the nation however has additionally motivated numerous kids to choose up the game. Hockey India is proud to felicitate them, and we want them success of their future endeavours.’ (ANI)