The Indian hockey icon Rani Rampal has hung her boots. In a heartfelt tribute, a closed-door farewell dinner was held, marking the end of a legendary career that spanned almost 14 years. Attended by her family, coaches, Hockey India officials and some of India’s most celebrated athletes, the farewell dinner was a proof of how far Rani has come from humble beginnings to international stardom.
The evening opened with a video of Rani recounting her journey, sacrifices, milestones and achievements. The video was also shared on her social media platforms. Rani, who was born in poverty-stricken surroundings, only dreamt of giving her parents a comfortable life. Rani recalled her early days in the sport in Shahbad, where she was required to carry half a litre of milk to her training sessions but could only afford to carry milk that was watered down to meet the requirement.
Her renowned coach, Baldev Singh, once told her that she was too skinny to succeed in hockey, but instead of taking offence, Rani turned the incident into a driving force. As the video came to an end, Rani was in tears of gratitude.
A succession of prominent sports personalities joined the celebration, including Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Manpreet Singh, Vijender Singh and more. Among many present, Rani’s coach Baldev stole the spotlight with his speech. He reflected on Rani’s dedication and work ethic “If a person finds the right coach, they can change history”, and highlighted through Rani’s devotion to hockey that with the right combination of mentorship and hard work, anything is possible.
Boxer Vijender, in the question-and-answer segment asked Rani about the challenges she faced in the beginning of her career, he shared his own struggles and admitted that he quit hockey because it was too expensive to pursue. Rani too didn’t shy away from admitting the struggles and hardships early in her career and acknowledged the financial constraints that athletes from humble beginnings face.
Bholanath Singh, the Secretary General of Hockey India and an ardent fan of Rani, revealed that he wanted her to play one final international game and retire with grandeur. However, he respected her decision to step away on her own terms and contribute to Indian Hockey in other ways.
The evening was a profound acknowledgement of the grit, determination and the impact that Rani has had on the Indian sports landscape, serving both as a tribute to her legacy and inspiration for future athletes. As Rani bids goodbye to the field, her story of endless sacrifices, insatiable hunger and an ambition with no limits will never be forgotten. Humble beginnings don’t have to be the end of a story but a powerful starting point.