Former Indian women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal announced her retirement. Hockey India honored her remarkable career by retiring her iconic No. 28 jersey in a special ceremony held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Rani hails from Haryana and has acquired an impressive 16-year career in hockey. She has scored over 200 goals in 254 matches for India, leading them to fourth place at the Tokyo Olympics 2021.
Rani debuted in the world of hockey at just 15, with a phenomenal career, she will continue to mentor and coach the Soorma Hockey Club of Punjab and Haryana, preparing for the inaugural women's Hockey India League later this year. During her farewell ceremony in New Delhi, Rani mentioned, "I am very emotional, I don't know where to begin. I thank Hockey India for letting me say my goodbye from this ground. I know all the spectators in the stadium are hockey lovers. When I started at the age of seven, maybe the people in the crowd saw my journey and gave me love. I thank all of you for coming here."
She further added, "I consider myself a very lucky person. I believe it's the end of one chapter but the beginning of another. I will be mentoring in the women's HIL so I will work hard in my next chapter so that I can help all women who want to compete for the nation."
Rani has received numerous awards throughout her career including the Padma Shri in 2021, the Arjuna Award in 2016, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2020, and Best Young Player of the Tournament at the 2010 Women's Hockey World Cup.
