In many ways, Vandana Katariya has been the epitome of the Indian women’s hockey team over the past few years. Hungry for success, never backing down from a good challenge and bouncing back spectacularly from even the most heartbreaking of circumstances.
Now 31, Katariya has been thrown a new challenge in recent times of being India’s main goal threat with the continued absence of former captain Rani Rampal from the senior set up. And it is a challenge that the veteran of over 284 caps has relished as India won bronze at the Commonwealth Games and won the all-important FIH Nations Cup with Vandana coming up with goals in crucial matches.
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, India enter a very important six months to qualify for the Olympics by targeting a first Asian Games gold since 1982. Key to India’s chances in Hangzhou will be Katariya’s tenacity and ability to find the back of the net.
Interview with coach Janneke Schopman: What next for the Indian women’s hockey team?
Ahead of India’s five-match tour to Australia, Katariya spoke to Scroll about the importance of the Test tours in the absence of the Pro League, her role in making the Indian team a place of growth for…
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