Indian women’s hockey scenario has transformed in last couple of years, says Rani Rampal

Indian women’s hockey scenario has transformed in last couple of years, says Rani Rampal

no photo

|

Hockey India

Rani Rampal has stated that in the past couple of years, the scenario of Indian women’s hockey has transformed. Rani has also said that new avenues have been created for the professional female hockey players with the development of women’s hockey in the country in last few years. 

After qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics after a gap of 36 years, the Indian women’s hockey team has shown constant improvement on the international circuit. Team’s skipper Rani Rampal is quiet delighted with the rapid strides that her team is taking in last few years. The Indian team now aims at getting an entry into the next Olympics by excelling in the FIH Series Finals to be held this year.

Rani is of the opinion that the scenario of the sport has changed in India in last couple years and the World Cup in 2016 was a defining moment for the sport.

"The scenario has transformed in the past couple of years. The 2016 World Cup was a defining moment, which brought women's hockey the much-needed limelight," the Indian skipper told IANS.

"With women's hockey progressing and entering its next phase of growth, new avenues have been created for individuals interested in pursuing the sport at a professional level." 

The Indian women’s hockey team recently returned after a series win against Malaysia at the latter’s home. As Rani missed the tour because of an injury Savita was handed over the captaincy of the side. Rani has stated that the team was motivated by the coach Sjoerd Marijne during the entire tour to Kuala Lumpur.

"I was delighted to see the number of matches my team won in this tour. Our coach led the team to victory by motivating players at every step. Playing at an international level has helped the team learn several things. This tour was definitely a great experience and helped us lift our game," the 24-year-old said.

"I always loved playing hockey, but never imagined that I would get the opportunity to represent India and make such a fulfilling career out of it. I started playing professionally at the age of 14. Since then, every moment when I was able to make my country proud has been very special to me."

Get updates! Follow us on

Open all