Rani Rampal: The Queen Whose Hockey Team Is Scripting History At The Tokyo Games

From the time she set foot onto the hockey field at the age of 14, Rani Rampal has scripted many firsts. Her debut led her to become the youngest player in the national team for the World Cup in 2010. A journey that began with struggles and hardships led Rani Rampal to a solid career path when she first picked up a broken hockey stick.

In 2020, Rani Rampal became the first female hockey player to be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the highest sporting honor in the country. She was also honored with the fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri in the same year. “When I explained to my unaware parents about what a Padma Shri meant, my father broke down with joy”, shares Rani Rampal.

Today, captain cool Rani Rampal is on the verge of scripting a real-life Chak De! India moment as her team stands tall at the Tokyo Games.

Watch the video to hear the queen of hockey Rani Rampal share her dreams and goals.

(Interviewed by Varnika Gupta; Video produced by Manasi Phadnis; Video edited by Venkatesh S)