Oct 31, 2023
“Rani Rampal’s Unbreakable Bond with the National Games”
Rani Rampal, an emblem of excellence in Indian hockey, shares a profound connection with the National Games. Her journey commenced in 2007 at Guwahati, where her exceptional talent caught the eye of selectors.
This catapulted her into the national team, and since then, she has notched over 250 matches and an impressive 120 goals for India.
However, amidst her illustrious career, the National Games hold an irreplaceable significance for Rani. Now the coach of India’s U-17 team and a former captain, she leads defending champions Haryana in the 37th edition, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Goa.
Haryana embarked on their journey with a resounding 8-0 victory over Tamil Nadu, with Rani herself etching her mark on the scoreboard.
“National Games occupies a sacred chamber in my heart. It was in 2007 that I first stepped onto this stage, a performance that paved my path to the national team,” Rani reminisced, now gracing her fourth National Games.
“Wearing the national colors is the zenith of any athlete’s pride. But there’s an ineffable sentiment in representing your state, in contributing to their victories,” she added, a palpable sense of nostalgia underscoring her words. Rani holds the distinction of being the youngest women’s hockey player to debut for the Indian senior team.
Just last year, Rani led the Haryana team to a glorious triumph in the National Games, a feat that followed her pivotal role in securing fourth place for the Indian team in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Speaking about the impact of senior international players joining their state teams, Rani emphasized, “As aspiring players, the presence of a senior international player in our squad was a wellspring of motivation. This Haryana team is an amalgamation of young, gifted players, and if my presence can inspire them to shine, it would be an exceptionally gratifying contribution to the cause of hockey.”
Rani expressed her elation that Goa is the chosen host for this year’s National Games, underscoring the burgeoning sports culture across the country. With hope resonating in her voice, she envisions Goa as a fertile ground for nurturing future international stars.
