New Delhi
Rani Rampal, a celebrated player of Indian hockey, has announced her retirement from playing. The 30-year-old confirmed her decision on Thursday, stepping down to become a coach for Soorma in the Women’s Hockey India League.
Rani has had an impressive career, representing India in over 250 matches and scoring more than 130 goals. She is best known for leading the national team to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Reflecting on her toughest moment, she mentioned the heartbreak of losing the semifinal against Argentina, which left the team with just 24 hours to prepare for the bronze medal match.
Her journey began at the young age of 14 when she made her international debut, quickly gaining recognition as a talent from Shahbaad Markanda, Haryana. Trained by Dronacharya Award-winning coach Baldev Singh, she became the first Indian woman nominated for the FIH Women’s Young Player of the Year Award.
Under Rani’s captaincy, the Indian women’s team achieved several milestones, including winning the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 and securing a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games. Rani’s contributions have been honored with numerous awards, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.
Rani Rampal’s inspiring story, marked by determination and resilience, makes her a role model for young athletes. As she takes on her new coaching role, her legacy will continue to motivate future generations in Indian hockey.
