For Rani, retirement from playing hasn\u2019t meant stepping away from hockey; it has meant starting all over again. \u201cThis is just the beginning of a new journey,\u201d she says. \u201cWhen one journey ends, another begins. My journey as a player has finished, and a new one as a coach has started. There\u2019s a long way to go, but I\u2019m very excited.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani compares her current phase to her early days as a player, full of learning, curiosity, and growth. Her biggest motivation is giving back to the sport by guiding the next generation. \u201cI want to learn everything from scratch in this role so that I can help youngsters and the new generation of players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
One of the toughest adjustments, Rani admits, has been shifting her mindset from that of a player to a coach. \u201cThe mindset of a player and a coach is very different,\u201d she explains. \u201cAfter playing for so many years, it\u2019s not easy to suddenly think differently. In the beginning, you still think like a player.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As a coach, patience has become key. \u201cYou have to remember that some players are fast learners and some are slow learners. As a coach, you need much more patience.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Rani, coaching goes beyond tactics and techniques. \u201cYou can always teach technical and tactical aspects, but managing players, keeping everyone on the same page, and sharing one vision, that\u2019s what really matters.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having experienced both roles, Rani is clear that dealing with players is far from easy. \u201cPlayers come from different parts of the world, different cultures, and everyone has a different mindset,\u201d she says. \u201cBut this is our job\u2014to show them a common vision. Why are we here? What is our purpose?\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Once players understand their roles and responsibilities, she believes things fall into place. Still, mistakes are inevitable. \u201cWe are all human, and mistakes are part of the journey. What\u2019s important is learning from them. Making mistakes is not a crime. But learning from them and not repeating the same mistake, that\u2019s a form of self-respect.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Talking about Soorma Hockey Club, Rani is confident about the team\u2019s potential heading into the new season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have a powerful and balanced squad,\u201d she says. \u201cLast season we won the silver medal and performed consistently well throughout the tournament, even though we couldn\u2019t finish the final the way we wanted.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This season, the team boasts a mix of top overseas players, experienced Indian players, and exciting young talent. But individual brilliance isn\u2019t the focus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want to showcase individual talent. We want to play as a team,\u201d Rani emphasises. \u201cIf we use our talent collectively, we can beat any team, defensively and offensively.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While she keeps details close to her chest ahead of the tournament, she makes one thing clear: \u201cThe squad is very strong, and I\u2019m really looking forward to the season.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani is particularly excited about the young talent coming through the ranks at Soorma Hockey Club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPlayers like Sonam, Hina Bano, Nidhi, Binima Dhan, and Baljeet Kaur, all U21 players, have a lot of potential,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019m sure they\u2019ll showcase their talent in the HIL.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rani\u2019s equation with Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia has evolved over the years, from teammates on the field to a coach-mentor dynamic off it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019ve played together for more than a decade. Now she\u2019s still playing, and I\u2019m in a mentor\u2019s role,\" she says.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Given Savita\u2019s experience, Rani is clear about her boundaries. \u201cYou can\u2019t really coach her technically anymore; she knows exactly what she needs to do on the field. My role is more off the field, checking how her body and mind are feeling. If she ever needs specific training or a different warm-up, I\u2019m always there.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019ve played together for more than a decade. Now she\u2019s still playing, and I\u2019m in a mentor\u2019s role,\" she says.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From guiding young players to managing elite athletes, Rani is embracing the challenges of coaching with the same passion that defined her playing career. \u201cThis is just the start,\u201d she says.<\/p>\r\n\r\n