“I want to help India find its next Rani” - Hockey icon Rani Rampal opens up on the next chapter in her life as she bids heartfelt adieu
Rani Rampal will forever be a name that emits a glimmer of hope in the hearts of many young girls in India who have aspired to breach uncharted territorries. An Indian hockey icon, Rampal is one of those generational athletes whose impact has transformed many a set norms in India's sporting culture.
The former captain of the Indian women's hockey team, Rani, announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday, October 24. For fans of Indian hockey, her farewell leaves a huge void. However for her, it is now time to identify the next jewel from the grassroots of Indian hockey and give the country its next 'Rani'.
A two-time Olympian, Rani Rampal, sat down with Sportskeeda for a conversation after stating her decision to retire.
"I was seven, when I fell in love with hockey. At 14, I wore the Indian colours for the first time. The dreams got bigger. I gave it all that I had in me to achieve glory for our Tiranga. The dream now moves on as god presents me with new beginnings. My aspiration now lies in helping India find its next Rani," expressed Rampal.
The 29-year-old has played the most influential of roles in enriching women's hockey in India. A 2017 Asia Cup gold medalist and a 2018 Asian Games silver medalist, she has achieved what most can only aspire to. When asked what would she tell her 14-year-old self, Rampal said only one thing, 'Never Give Up'.
"Today, if I speak with that 14-year-old Rani who was making her debut, I would just say, never give up on your dreams. The road will be challenging and filled with ostacles. But, you keep working hard and instil perseverance. If you dedicate yourself to what you want to achieve, it will happen. No one can stop you," she said.
One thing my father taught me is to detach from all results: Rani Rampal in an emotional tribute to her parents
Rani Rampal today might be one of the brightest stars of Indian hockey, but for her, the superstars in her eyes will always be her parents. Calling them her inspiration, the former India forward opened up on how their upbringing dictated how she went about her sporting journey.
"My parents are my biggest source of strength as their love and support has been immessurable. The impact they have had on my life is one of the reason for where I am at today. My father used to tell me, 'Believe in Karma and do your work. But, detach yourself from all results and you will eventually reap the fruits that you deserve," Rani concluded.
India will miss Rani Rampal on the hockey pitch. However, the nation can be rest assured that the next generation of India's rising stars will now be under a highly able guidance.