Rani Rampal Retires: The 29-year-old bids adieu to the game as one of the most decorated players from India.
Rani Rampal Retires: The former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, declared her retirement from the game on Thursday, October 24. Her remarkable 16-year career comes to an end with her decision. The 29-year-old, one of India’s most decorated players, says goodbye to the game. India had its highest-ever Olympic performance under her leadership, finishing fourth in the Tokyo 2020 Games and just missing out on a bronze medal.
“It’s been an outstanding journey. I never imagined playing for India for so long. During a press conference, she told reporters, “I have witnessed a lot of poverty since I was a child, but my focus has always been to do something, represent the country.”
Rani Rampal confirmed her intention to hang up her boots in a social media post. She started out by writing: “After 15 years of wearing the Indian jersey with pride, it’s time for me to step off the field as a player and begin a new chapter.”
Check out this detailed note she wrote and labeled, “Thank You India.”
Thank you India 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/mbRJBv5fgR
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) October 24, 2024
Rampal, a forward, made her debut for the Indian national team in 2008. At the Olympic qualification last year, she made her competitive debut at the age of 14. Rani went on to represent India in 254 matches, scoring 205 goals in 254 matches.
In addition to all of the accolades and awards she has garnered throughout her career, she was given the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratnaa Award in 2020 and the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the nation, the same year. Rampal has signed on as the national coach for women’s sub-junior teams, demonstrating his foray into coaching.
Rani’s career will always be linked to the growth of Indian women’s hockey.