Rani Rampal quashes retirement rumours; says what happened with me wasn't right

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Published at :August 11, 2023 at 2:10 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 5:38 PM

(Courtesy : Hockey India)

The former Indian captain was named the head coach of sub-junior women’s team.

Former Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal lashed out at national head coach Janneke Schopman for her exclusion from the national setup for the past two years. The 28-year-old yesterday addressed the media at a press conference alongside Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and Secretary General Bhola Nath.

Rani Rampal on her non-selection said, “Whatever happened to me in the last two years wasn’t right. I came back from injury, was the top goal scorer at the National Games but wasn’t picked in the national team. I am not retiring since I have more to give to the sport as a player.

She further added, “the best people who can give an answer to this are chief coach and selectors because I don’t know the answer”

Schopman in her previuos interviews said that she has the best players in the national setup and Rani isn’t best among the lot at present.

The Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee made her debut for the Indian team in 2008 and made her appearance twice at the Olympics. Under her leadership at Tokyo 2020, India finished fourth – highest ever finish so far at the Olympics. Sjoerd Marijne who was the head coach then left the Indian setup and Schopman was elevated to the head coach role.

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Rani suffered from injuries post the Games and also had rift with the coach. However, she made a strong comeback at the National Games last year and finished as the highest goalscorer and led Haryana to the top spot.

Rani Rampal is set to head the sub-junior women’s team for coaching camps and international matches. Meanwhile the men’s side will be led by former Indian captain and coach Sardar Singh.

Dilip Tirkey shared his views on Rani Rampal and said, “When a team gets selected, neither the president nor the general secretary get involved in the team selection. It is upto the coach and selection committee to select the best players.

“We understand the grief of Rani Rampal and have talked about her absence from the national team. After few interactions Rani has accepted the role of mentoring the sub-junior girls.”

Rani will be involved in the programme for 45 days but the project will get extended for a longer period.

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M Sudharshan

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