Rani Rampal calls it a day; Hockey India retires her No. 28 jersey
NEW DELHI: Forward Rani Rampal, one of India’s most prolific goal scorers in women's hockey, retired from the game on Thursday "without any regrets". Hailing from a poor family, Rani picked up sports at an early age in her village Shahabad Markanda in Haryana and went on to become the undisputed queen of the sport in the country as she helped the team win many international medals including two in the Asian Games. She came close to adding an Olympic medal to her kitty when the Indian team finished fourth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Before officially announcing her retirement, the 29-year-old spoke to a select group of journalists and talked about her journey, her achievements and the future ahead. Excerpts...
When did you reach this decision that you will not play any further?
It was a very difficult decision because it is not easy for any player, especially when you have played for 15-16 years for the country. I thought that this is the right time for me because I am already starting my new innings. I have taken up the mentor's role in Soorma Hockey Club in Hockey India League. I still feel proud to have played for the country for so many years.
How would you look back at your career?
It was a great career. There were a lot of good moments, some low moments. I had never thought that I would play for the country for so many years. Never thought that this journey will be like this.
When I was young, like when I was 7, I never thought that I would play 254 games for the country and score so many goals. There are a lot of good moments that will always be with me. There were also a lot of struggles because my childhood was not so good. But the passion never ended.
Looking back, would you like to make any change, given a chance?
There are no regrets. Regrets happen when you don't give 100% and you think maybe I could have done better.
Do you want to make any changes in women's hockey in India?
There is already a lot of change in women's hockey. We used to wonder, if there will ever be a women's league? But it has started. This will give the players a good exposure. It will also help the kids financially. So a lot of things are changing for good. There are a lot of schemes coming at the grassroots for young kids. But yes, I want to see Indian women's hockey team on the Olympic podium. I tried a lot for that.
Can you tell us one high point and one low point of your career?
It is very difficult to tell one point. There are a lot of high points like when I got the Indian jersey for the first time. You cannot explain it in words. I feel proud that I have worn that jersey for 15 years. To represent India in two Olympics, three Asian Games, three Commonwealth Games is big. There are also low moments like losing in the Tokyo Olympic semifinals.
What will be your coaching style, attacking or defending?
Nothing like that. The philosophy, the strategy is decided by the coaching staff together. But whatever we do, we will do our best for the players.
