If you’re a hockey lover in India, you must have heard the name, Rani Rampal. The only daughter of a cart-puller in Shahbad, Haryana, came into limelight when she became a part of the Indian Team to the 2010 World Cup at the age of 15.
Last year she played a crucial role in the Hockey League semi-finals which ensured India's qualification in the Rio Olympics. The forward scored the equaliser against Italy and went on to score the winner against Japan in the last do-or-die encounter.
So, while Deepika Thakur won the Dhruv Batra Women's Player of the Year award, Rani Rampal won the coveted Dhanraj Pillay Forward of the Year award.
Sportskeeda caught up with Rani today as she spoke about her journey and the accolades she got along the way. On asking the 21-year-old to share her thoughts with us, this is what she came up with:
"My first reaction was OMG, it's me! Well, I am super excited that I won the award. It's just that you are recognised by Hockey India for your contribution makes it even better. They appreciated what I did for our country, so it's really a nice feeling."
"From being frowned upon for taking up hockey as a sport in India to this day, how big an achievement is this for you," I asked.
“This is a big motivation for me as it makes me feel more responsible. I will continue to work harder and harder for my team and country.”
"So, how did the man himself react after you won the Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year?" I was waiting for this moment all this while.
"He is a legend and it is difficult to put into words how happy I was after he congratulated me for my dedication and love for hockey. He was happy with whatever I've achieved till date."
"Like everyone else, he wished me good luck for Rio 2016 too," added Rani.
"How did you father react, Rani?"
"Both my mom and dad are very happy for this. They have supported me from the very first day and still doing the same. I just want to see them happy." Recalling that, she added, "My father has sacrificed a lot for me. Now, I want to earn and support them in their old days and make them proud."
The second edition of the most coveted awards in Indian hockey carried a total prize money of over Rs 2 crore.
"How good an initiative is this?"
"It's a good initiative by Hockey India and I would like to thank Dr. Batra for starting such motivational awards and taking our hockey to next level."
The Indian women's team will take part in the Hawke's Bay Cup to be held in New Zealand from April 2-10. The tournament is seen as an important stop on the road to the Rio Olympics.
“How are the preparations for the Hawke's Bay Cup?' I asked.
"We will give our best and it's a good tournament to play with higher-ranked teams ahead of Rio," concluded Rani.
What a journey it has been for Rani. Hard work is what brought her forth first as a child prodigy despite her coming from an indigent family.
Congratulations!
