Bengaluru: A lot has changed over the past decade in Indian hockey. One of the key reasons for the players to find recognition is the federation’s efforts in ensuring all the facilities and equal opportunities for both teams to perform and excel, said Rani Rampal who was honoured with the prestigious Khel Ratna Award on August 29. Men’s forward Akashdeep received the Arjuna award.
Rani and Akashdeep Singh both are currently part of the ongoing national camp at Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru Campus. The women’s skipper Rani is the first female hockey player to be conferred with the country’s highest sporting honour and is only third in the sport after Dhanraj Pillay and Sardar Singh to receive the highest award for sporting excellence.
#NationalSportsAwards: Congratulations to Paralympic high jumper #Mariyappan on winning the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2020.
— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) August 29, 2020
He won the Gold medal at 2016 Summer Paralympic games in the men’s high jump T-42 category.@KirenRijiju @DGSAI @RijijuOffice @PIB_India @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/i5CmTCBO1F
“From when I started to now, many things have changed for the good in women’s hockey. Back when I began playing, the women’s team played very few tournaments. We mostly played major events like Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but now the scenario has changed so much,” Rani said.
“Hockey India and the management ensure we play tournaments around the year which has contributed tremendously towards our performance improvement over the years and has also helped popularize women’s hockey.”
She added feeling nostalgic about her journey in the sport so far.”Over the past one week, since my name was officially announced for the Khel Ratna award, I have been reflecting back on my journey so far and it makes me feel overwhelmed that women’s hockey gets equal importance as the men’s team and a women’s player being recognized with the highest award definitely goes to show the sport is moving in the right direction. I thank the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI and Hockey India for giving us all the opportunities to showcase our potential and at the same time recognizing our efforts.”
Heartiest congratulations to @akashdeeps985 on being conferred with the esteemed Arjuna Award 2020! 🙌#IndiaKaGame #NationalSportsAwards @PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/WevsXimBNm
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 29, 2020
Akashdeep expressed his feelings too. “I thank everyone who have been part of my journey so far. I have been very fortunate to play for my country along with some of the greatest players in the sport. I also thank Hockey India and SAI for their support and ensuring we are provided with the best facilities to train,” stated the striker.
Congratulating the winners Hockey India officiating president Gyanendro Ningombam said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Romesh Pathania for winning the Dronacharya award (lifetime achievement), Rani for winning the Khel Ratna Award, Akashdeep and Deepika Thakur for winning the Arjuna award.”
From inspirational figures to #NationalAwards2020 winners 🏅
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 29, 2020
Hockey India sends heartiest congratulations to @imranirampal, Ajit Singh, Romesh Pathania, Jude Felix, @akashdeeps985 and Deepika 🏑#IndiaKaGame #NationalSportsDayWithHI @PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/pr5hQvfMWQ
“I also congratulate Jude Felix for winning the Dronacharya award and Ajit Singh for winning the Dhyan Chand lifetime achievement award. Their contribution towards the growth of the sport in India has been tremendous and I wish both Rani and Akashdeep will use this award as a big motivation to continue to do well in the sport and achieve the team’s goals at Tokyo Olympic Games,” he added.
