Rani Rampal, regarded as one of India’s greatest athletes, significantly contributed to raising the standards of the women's hockey team. She began her career at 14 in 2009 and concluded it with India’s fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, where she served as captain. On Thursday, the hockey icon Rani Rampal announced her retirement from international hockey, closing the chapter on a remarkable 15-year career.
Known as the ‘Queen of Indian Hockey,’ she participated in 254 international matches and netted 120 goals, guiding India to various achievements, including the notable fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Here, we highlight some interesting facts about this legendary player.
4 Interesting Facts About Rani Rampal
Rani Rampal's Journey To Follow Her Love for Hockey
Rani's hometown is known as a significant hub for Indian hockey talent, having produced notable players like Ritu Rani, Sandeep Singh, Suma Bala, Sandeep Kaur, Rajni Bala, and Surinder Kaur.
Rani developed an interest in hockey at the age of seven, but her parents were initially reluctant, and their neighbours and relatives were opposed to her pursuing the sport.
“Initially, my parents were not supportive of my desire to play hockey. Our neighbours and relatives warned them that I would bring shame to the family by wearing a skirt or shorts,” Rani shared with the Times of India.
“It was quite challenging to convince them. However, I kept insisting, cried often, and emotionally persuaded them until they finally agreed to let me play hockey.”
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Rani Rampal's Struggles and Support in Her Hockey Training
Although Rani convinced her family to let her pursue hockey, training was still challenging because of financial difficulties. Fortunately, she received support from her mentor and first coach, Baldev Singh, the former coach of Shahabad Hockey Academy (SHA). He provided her with kits, jerseys, equipment, and assistance with her dietary needs.
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Rani Rampal Is First Hockey Player To Win World Games Athlete of the Year Award
Rani made history by becoming the first hockey player to receive the World Games Athlete of the Year award. She earned this esteemed recognition after being named Player of the Tournament at the FIH Series Finals and playing a key role in her team’s qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
"The clear winner of the Athlete of the Year contest, Rani received an impressive 199,477 votes from sports fans worldwide during the 20 days of polling in January. In total, over 705,610 votes were cast in the poll," the World Games announced in a statement, as per the Olympics.
Rani Rampal's Inspiration And Hobbies
Indian boxing legend and six-time World Champion Mary Kom is one of Rani's role models.“I closely follow Mary Kom because she is an icon, a six-time world champion, a mother of three, and she still has the same hunger to learn,” Rani shared with femina.in.
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In addition to her admiration for Mary Kom, Rani is a big fan of Punjabi music and enjoys listening to Bollywood classics to relax after intense training sessions or tours.
“I don’t have much free time, but I love music. I enjoy Punjabi songs and old Bollywood melodies, especially from the ’80s and ’90s. When I can, I also like to spend time with my family,” she said.
Rani Rampal's retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian hockey. Her dedication and achievements have inspired countless athletes and raised the profile of women's sports in India. As she steps away from the international stage, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate future generations of players.
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Credits: Rani Rampal Instagram
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