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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rani Rampal for her ‘extraordinary career’ after the former Indian women’s hockey team captain announced her retirement.
Former Indian men’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, who announced her retirement recently.
“You have been a true ambassador of the immense potential of our nation’s Nari Shakti. Redefining excellence and setting a benchmark for younger players, you have shown that there are no limits to what Indian women can achieve,” PM Modi said in his message to Rani.
“It is heartening to see that you’ll stay close to the game, taking on the role of a mentor for future players. This new chapter is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from one of the best in the sport.”
“Congratulations on an extraordinary career, and my best wishes for the future,” he added.
ALSO READ | Hockey India Retires No. 28 Jersey As Former India Captain Rani Rampal Calls Time On Career
Rani brought down curtains on her glittering 16-year career, in which she became an inspiration for beating abject poverty and conservative views at a small town in Haryana where her father worked as a cart-puller.
The-29-year-old will sign off as one of India’s most decorated hockey players after leading the women’s team to its best-ever finish at the Olympics — a fourth place at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Hockey India (HI) decided to retire Rani’s jersey number 28 to honour her glorious career. She was also given Rs 10 lakh by HI.
Rani Rampal made her debut in 2008 as a 14-year-old in the Olympic qualifiers that year, Rani scored 205 goals in her 254 outings for India.
She was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020 and was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award, in the same year.
She was recently roped in as the national coach for sub-junior women players.
Rani has also joined Soorma Hockey Club, representing Haryana and Punjab in the revamped Hockey India League, as the mentor of its women’s team.
Under Rani’s captaincy, the Indian women’s team qualified for the quarterfinal of the 2018 World Cup in London and also won the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
She also led the team to victory in the 2019 FIH Series Finals and was a key contributor in the Indian team’s back-to-back appearance in the Olympics.
(With inputs from Agencies)
