Rani Rampal Retires: Former India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal has announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday (October 24). Her decision marks an end to her illustrious 16-year-old career. The 29-year-old bids adieu to the game as one of the most decorated players from India. Under her captaincy, India registered their best-ever finish at the Olympics- a fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Games, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal.
"It's been an outstanding journey. I never thought I will play for so long for India. I have seen a lot of poverty from childhood but focus was always to do something, represent the country," she told reporters in a press conference.
Later, Rani Rampal took to social media to share a post, confirming her decision to hang up her boots. She began her note by saying: "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."
Take a look at her elaborate note which she captioned: "Thank You India."
Rani Rampal's Stellar Career
Rampal, who played as a forward, played her first match in India colours in 2008. She first played a match as a 14-year-old in the Olympic qualifier last year. Rani went on to represent India in 254 matches, scoring 205 goals in 254 matches.
Other than all the honours and plaudits she has received in her career, she was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratnaa Award in 2020 before receiving the Padma Shri in 2020, the country's fourth highest civilian award in the same year. Rampal has already ventured into coaching, being recently roped in as the national coach for sub-junior women players.
Rani's career will always be synonymous with the rise of women's hockey in India.