Indian Hockey Legend Rani Rampal Retires After 16 Glorious Years

Rani Rampal, a Padma Shri recipient hockey player, recently announced the end of her inspiring 16-year career on October 24. The 29-year-old's rise from a humble background to a hockey icon is nothing short of phenomenal. Speaking to reporters in a press conference, Rampal said, "It's been an outstanding journey. I never thought I would play for so long for India. I have seen a lot of poverty from childhood but my focus was always to do something, represent the country."

Who Is Rani Rampal?

Rani Rampal is one of the most reputed hockey players in India who made her international debut in 2008 as a 14-year-old in the Olympic qualifiers. She scored 205 goals in her 254 outings for India. The striker and middle-fielder from Haryana was only 15 years old when she joined the national women's field hockey team for the World Cup 2010.

Rampal has won numerous tournaments and countless hearts, earning the title of the 'Rani' or queen of field hockey in India. Rampal became a national coach for coaching the Under-17 players in 2023. She was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri in 2020.

Rampal was also the captain of the national team that represented India in the Tokyo Olympics exciting matches that made the nation immensely proud. Though the team did not win a medal, their performance was immensely appreciated as it was the first time in years that the Indian women's hockey team entered the semi-finals of the Olympics.

At that time, she spoke with SheThePeople about the importance of the mental health of players considering the pressure during such big tournaments. Rani Rampal said the mental health of players was very critical and as important as physical strength. Rampal said, "We have to work on our mind just as much as we do on our physical fitness routine."

First Female Hockey Player With Stadium Named After Her Rani Rampal Hockey Stadium

Rani Rampal added another feat to her career in 2023, as she became the first-ever female hockey player to have a stadium named after her. The MCF Rae Bareli Stadium was renamed to Rani's Girls Hockey Turf and Rani Rampal was present at the event celebrating the renaming. 

She shared the news on her social media telling how proud she was to be honoured in such a way that she will continue to inspire generations to come. She also extended her gratitude for becoming the first female hockey player in India to have a stadium renamed after her.