The Hockey India League (HIL) auction witnessed a significant move as the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers secured the services of veteran Indian forward Vandana Katariya for a substantial sum of Rs 10.5 lakh. The 32-year-old striker, renowned for her prolific goal-scoring abilities and extensive international experience, became the Bengal Tigers’ first acquisition in the auction. Her addition is expected to inject a potent dose of firepower and tactical expertise into the team’s offensive strategy.
Katariya’s journey in hockey has been marked by remarkable achievements. She first emerged as a rising star in the 2013 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, where her five goals led India to a bronze medal finish. Her contributions continued to shine on the global stage, playing a crucial role in the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal-winning squad.
She further cemented her position as a prominent figure in Indian hockey by representing the country in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to score a hat-trick in an Olympic hockey match, a feat she accomplished against South Africa, securing India’s qualification for the quarterfinals.
With an impressive tally of over 300 international caps, encompassing both junior and senior levels, Vandana stands as the most-capped Indian woman hockey player. This extensive experience and her unwavering dedication to the sport make her a valuable asset to the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers. Her inclusion in the team promises to add depth, leadership, and a proven goal-scoring threat, making them a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Hockey India League season.