Rani, who debuted at just 15, became a beacon of hope and inspiration in Indian hockey, famously leading the national team to a historic fourth-place finish in the re-scheduled Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. She will serve as a mentor and coach with the Soorma Hockey Club of Punjab and Haryana, ahead of the inaugural women\u2019s Hockey India League (HIL) later this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on her farewell, Rani said, \u201cI am very emotional. I don\u2019t know where to begin. I thank Hockey India for letting me say my goodbye from this ground. I know all the spectators in the stadium are hockey lovers. When I started at the age of seven, maybe the people in the crowd saw my journey and gave me love. I thank all of you for coming here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I consider myself as a very lucky person, I believe it\u2019s the end of one chapter but the beginning of another. I will be mentoring in the women\u2019s HIL so I will work as hard in my next chapter so that I can help all women who want to compete for the nation,\u201d said Rani Rampal in her farewell speech after the conclusion of India vs New Zealand bilateral hockey series,\" she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani\u2019s impact on Indian hockey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over her career, she played more than 250 matches for India and scored over 100 goals, leading the team to several historic victories. She was a driving force behind India\u2019s silver medals at the 2017 Women\u2019s Asian Cup and the 2018 Asian Games, where she also had the honour of serving as India\u2019s flag-bearer during the closing ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani's rise to stardom began when she made her international debut in 2008 at the age of 15, becoming the youngest player to represent India at that time. She later emerged as one of the key players during the 2010 World Cup, scoring seven goals and helping India secure their best performance since 1978. She played both as a forward and midfielder, showcasing her versatility and leadership over the years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Throughout her career, Rani earned numerous accolades. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, followed by India\u2019s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, in 2020. That same year, she was also honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India\u2019s top civilian awards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She was recognised as the \u201cBest Young Player of the Tournament\u201d at the 2010 Women\u2019s Hockey World Cup and \u201cPlayer of the Tournament\u201d at the 2013 Junior World Cup, where India won its first-ever bronze medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Throughout her career, Rani earned numerous accolades. In 2016, she was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, followed by India\u2019s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, in 2020. That same year, she was also honoured with the Padma Shri, one of India\u2019s top civilian awards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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