Rani Rampal Announces Retirement from Competitive Hockey

In a poignant farewell at the PFC India-Germany Bilateral Series, former Indian captain Rani Rampal announced her retirement from competitive hockey. Known as the "queen of Indian hockey," Rampal made the announcement alongside her legendary coach, Baldev Singh, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium. Hockey India honored her contributions with a cash award of INR 10 lakh (approximately US$ 12,000) and retired her jersey number 28.

Rampal's retirement came after the Indian men's team secured a 5-3 victory over defending World Cup champions Germany, marking a fitting tribute. Reflecting on her illustrious 14-year career, Rampal expressed her desire to give back to the sport that has shaped her life, shifting her focus to coaching the next generation of players.

Starting her journey at just 14 years old, Rampal became the youngest player for India, leading the team to numerous achievements, including a historic fourth-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the Women's Asia Cup victory in 2017. Throughout her career, she received prestigious accolades such as the Arjuna Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Padma Shri.

Rampal emphasized the camaraderie and shared experiences with her teammates as her most cherished memories. As she transitions to coaching, she will mentor the Soorma Hockey Club in the revamped Hockey India League and aims to nurture young talent in the sport. Her journey from humble beginnings in Haryana to international stardom has made her a symbol of resilience and inspiration for aspiring hockey players, proving that with determination, barriers can be broken and dreams can be realized.