Arjuna Award for Ritu Rani? Hockey team captain earns recommendation

The Indian hockey women's team may have performed miserably in their five-match series against England, but there is a silver lining here. Recognising the hard work and dedication of captain Ritu Rani, on Wednesday she was recommended by Hockey India for the Arjuna Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in sports. So was senior's men's team drag-flicker VR Raghunath.

"VR Raghunath, Dharamvir Singh and Ritu Rani have been recommended for the Arjuna Award while Sylvanus Dung Dung has been recommended for the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award and veteran Coach CR Kumar recommended for the Dronacharya Award," Hockey India said in a statement, reported by Firstpost.

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With over 10 years experience in the game Rani has been one of the most successful players in the team, and is known for her leadership qualities. She will also be leading the hockey team in their efforts at the Olympic games in Rio later this year. Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India said, "With their passion and dedication for the sport, these players who have been recommended have done India proud by earning several accolades internationally. I truly believe they deserve every recognition and appreciation for the efforts they have put in making the nation shine in various tournaments,"

Hailing from Haryana, Rani made her debut in the senior team in 2006, at the Asian Games in Doha and was appointed the captain of the team in 2011. The team then became the first Indian women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers ever for the 2016 Summer Olympics since the 1980 Summer Olympics participation under her captaincy.

Feature Image Credit: The Hindu