Rani Rampal retires from Indian hockey, iconic no. 28 jersey retired by hockey India

Former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal announced her retirement from international hockey on Thursday, ending a 16-year career marked by unprecedented achievements. The 29-year-old forward from Shahabad, Haryana, first represented India at age 15, debuting internationally in 2008. Over her career, she scored 205 goals in 254 appearances, playing a pivotal role in elevating Indian women’s hockey on the global stage.

Rani led the Indian women’s hockey team to its best-ever Olympic finish, coming in fourth at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. This performance was a historic breakthrough for Indian women’s hockey, highlighting her leadership and impact on the sport. In recognition of her contributions, Hockey India honored her by retiring her No. 28 jersey, the first such honor in Indian women’s hockey, and awarded her Rs 10 lakh.

Throughout her career, Rani helped the national team win multiple titles, including an Asian Cup and a Junior World Cup medal, and played a key role in India’s qualification for consecutive Olympic Games, a first in Indian women’s hockey. However, since early 2023, she has not represented the country, having been sidelined by coach Janneke Schopman in 2022—a decision Rani questioned as she was not provided with a clear reason for her exclusion.

In a press statement, Rani expressed mixed emotions, noting pride in her achievements yet disappointment at not winning an Olympic medal. "From a young girl with borrowed sticks to leading India on world stages, it has been an extraordinary journey," she said, crediting her family and coach Baldev Singh for their support through her challenging journey.

Her accomplishments include prestigious awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, both in 2020. Rani’s career highlights her resilience and dedication, coming from a background of economic hardship in Haryana, where her father worked as a cart-puller.

Looking forward, Rani will take on the role of a mentor and coach with the Soorma Hockey Club in Punjab and Haryana, guiding young talent ahead of the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League later this year. She has also been appointed the national coach for the sub-junior women’s team, aiming to foster the next generation of Indian hockey talent.