Tokyo 2020, women’s hockey: Meet Vandana Katariya, first Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick

Vandana Katariya created her piece of history at the Olympics when she became the first Indian woman hockey player to score a hat-trick at the Games.

The forward from Uttar Pradesh netted thrice as India edged out South Africa 4-3 to help her team earn a crucial victory that kept their quarter-final chances alive.

After, she was modest about her feat.

“This is a team game, the whole team works for goals. How can I claim credit for the goals today. Am happy we have won, not because I could score” Katariya said.

She shoots, she scores! 🏑😍

Vandana Katariya scored 3 of #IND‘s 4 goals in their match against #RSA to become the first Indian woman to register a hat-trick at the Olympics! 😍#Tokyo2020 | #StrongerTogether | #UnitedByEmotion | #Hockey pic.twitter.com/jfUaqyO1He

— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) July 31, 2021

While hockey is a sport where success is not dependent on a single individual, Katariya’s performances over the years for the Indian team have had a big impact on the team’s fortunes, just like in Tokyo.

Consistent performer

At 29, Katariya is a veteran in the Indian hockey team with 245 appearances, just one less than captain Rani Rampal. With 67 goals to her name, only captain Rampal has scored more goals for the Indian team among the current lot….

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