Rani Rampal: The Journey of a Trailblazing Hockey Legend

Indian hockey icon Rani Rampal, former captain of the national women's team, has retired from an illustrious 16-year career. From a challenging childhood in Haryana to leading India at the Olympics, Rampal became a symbol of perseverance and triumph. She now embarks on a new role as a mentor.

Rani Rampal, the former captain of the Indian women's hockey team, announced her retirement on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable 16-year career. Rampal emerged as a beacon of resilience, overcoming poverty and societal constraints in her hometown in Haryana, where her father worked as a cart-puller.

At 29, Rampal retires as one of India's most acclaimed hockey players, having led the national team to its best-ever Olympic performance—a fourth place at the 2021 Tokyo Games. Known for her clinical skills on the field, she debuted internationally at 14 and scored 205 goals in 254 matches for India.

A recipient of prestigious awards, such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri, Rampal is now set to shape the future of young athletes as a coach and mentor. Her illustrious career saw many highs, including qualifying for the 2018 World Cup quarterfinals and securing silver at the 2018 Asian Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)