Rani Rampal, the torchbearer of Indian women’s hockey, officially retired on Thursday at a felicitation ceremony, concluding a 16-year career that redefined the nation’s perception of women’s hockey.
Starting as the youngest member at just 14 in the Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan in 2008, Rani rose to become the captain and a revered figure in Indian hockey, steering the team to historic achievements, including a memorable fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Known for her skill, determination, and leadership, Hockey India honoured Rani by retiring her iconic number 28 jersey. Rani’s career was a journey of resilience and triumphs, with achievements like breaking a 13-year drought to win the Asia Cup in 2017 and securing a silver at the 2018 Asian Games.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Rani told Sportstar, “Deciding to quit playing is a difficult decision for every sportsperson…but I thought this was the right time.”
As one of the few Indian women players with over 250 international caps and more than 200 goals, Rani’s influence transcended the field. Her accolades include the Arjuna Award in 2016, World Games Athlete of the Year in 2019, and both the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2020. Her record-breaking journey inspired young girls across India, especially those from rural backgrounds where sports opportunities remain limited for women.
Rani attributed much of her success to her coach, Baldev Singh, who trained her from a young age in Shahbad Markanda, Haryana, a region that has since become a hub for Indian women’s hockey. Recalling his influence, Rani said, “Coach Baldev Singh actually gave me an identity through hockey when I myself didn’t know anything about myself…he also taught me a lot of life lessons outside sports that have helped me through my life.”
Baldev Singh’s guidance was foundational, instilling in her the mindset to play for the game, not for any coach or individual, a principle she carried through a career that saw her work with coaches like MK Kaushik, Harendra Singh, and Sjoerd Marijne, each bringing different philosophies to the team.
Two defining moments stand out in Rani’s memory: earning her first India cap in 2008 and the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals, where India defeated powerhouse Australia to reach the semifinals, an unforgettable feat for Indian women’s hockey. That victory solidified Rani’s role as a trailblazer, leading a team that gave India one of its proudest Olympic moments.
Now, Rani is ready for a new chapter. She has completed FIH coaching courses and will soon mentor the next generation of players in the upcoming Hockey India League. With her head held high, she leaves behind a legacy that has already inspired countless young athletes and changed the face of Indian women’s hockey.
