Honoring Hockey Legends: Vandana Katariya and Lalit Upadhyay's Journey

In a significant ceremony held during the men's Asia Cup in Rajgir, Hockey India celebrated the illustrious careers of Vandana Katariya and Lalit Upadhyay. The duo was honored with Rs 5 lakh each in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Indian hockey.

Katariya, who retired in April, is lauded for her achievements, with 320 international appearances and an impressive tally of 158 goals, making her the highest-scoring Indian woman in hockey history. She also made an unforgettable mark at the Tokyo Olympics by achieving a historic hat-trick.

Lalit Upadhyay, concluding his career in June, is remembered for his participation in 183 matches since 2014 and his role in securing bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Hockey India officials praised their dedication and impact on the sport.