Bengaluru: Indian women’s hockey team skipper Rani Rampal was the youngest player, aged 15, in the national team which participated in the 2010 World Cup. A decade later, the Haryana-born player, will be awarded the highest prestigious sporting honour of the country — Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award on August 29.
The 25-year-old Rani’s story is a perfect example of one that’s instituted on will-power and guts to make the country proud. Coming from a society where women are confined to do only certain tasks especially household chores, it’s not been smooth for Rampal to pursue a career in hockey.
The 2018 Asian Games silver medalist, dreams to make our country proud and devotes her award to the frontline warriors fighting selflessly against coronavirus. “This is a big achievement to Indian women hockey because previously women’s hockey wasn’t given much importance but now people are supporting the sport. Being an athlete, I feel extremely happy and this honour will add to its recognition. It is an amazing feeling when your hard work is rewarded,” she said.
She also added, “After winning Khel Ratna, I am extremely motivated to bring more medals for my country. I have seen senior players play and it has always inspired me to do something for the nation. In these tough times, I dedicate the Khel Ratna award to our Corona warriors, who are working selflessly to keep all of us safe. It is commendable that how dedicated they are and whatever you do for them is less.”
