Will dedicate Olympics win to all COVID warriors, says Rani Rampal

The Indian women's Hockey team has already raised 20 lakh INR to help families affected by the pandemic.

In 2020 when India was grappling with COVID-19 , the Indian Women's Hockey Team led by Rani Rampal, took up a unique challenge. This was to raise funds in order to help feed more than 1000 economically backward families. They raised over Rs 20.00 lakh through a 21-day online fitness challenge.  

In 2021, ahead of the Olympic Games , the Women's Hockey Team has yet again taken up a challenge and this time they have vowed to dedicate their performance in Tokyo to the COVID warriors and frontline workers of India. In a video message released by Hockey India today, Skipper Rani said, "This Olympics is unlike any other in the past. Our country has been through a lot, and we are proud of our doctors and frontline workers who have selflessly worked to save lives. As we work hard towards securing a medal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we pledge to dedicate our efforts and hopefully our victory to these covid warriors. We are all here and safe thanks to them. Thank you, Jai Hind."

Rani Rampal further stated that this unanimous decision will further fuel the team's aspiration to finish on the podium in Tokyo. She said, "When we take up a vow like this, there is an added onus on us. Winning for India is always a goal. But winning for our countrymen and women who have made many sacrifices in order to save lives during this pandemic will make it a truly special outing in Tokyo for the team."  

Rani Rampal further stated that the team feels inspired by the duty-bound COVID warriors who have tirelessly worked day and ninght. "We draw a lot of inspiration from these great people who have risked their own lives to save others. We have come across numerous such stories of sacrifice and humanity. As players, the only thing we can give in return for their great efforts is by achieving something historic and dedicate it to them and that's what we have decided to do," Rani added.  

With less than 40 days remaining for the Tokyo Olympic Games, the members of Women's Hockey Olympic Core Group continue to give their best and are leaving no stone unturned in their training at SAI Centre, Bengaluru. Rani stated that she and her teammates are making each and every training session count. "Everyone is pumped up to give their best shot to make it to the squad. We are undergoing selection trials this week and the environment is really good around the team, and my teammates are making each and every training session count at the camp," said Rani.

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