While most names in the country's hockey scene have failed to reach the ears of many households, Ritu Rani is one of the first names that come to mind when you think of the Indian eves. But the 24-year-old had an emotional last couple of months after being dropped from the team for the greatest show on earth.
Arguably one of India's greatest hockey players, Rani, who led the team to Olympic qualification after 36 years, has decided to retire from the game. The former Indian captain was included in the 29 probables for the national camp which began in Bhopal, but Ritu who was accused of 'attitude' problem decided to call time on her international career.
Also Read: The ridiculous exclusion of Indian women's hockey captain Ritu Rani
President of Hockey India, Narinder Batra said, "We got a mail from Ritu Rani 2-3 days back stating that she will not be able to join the national camp as she is retiring from international hockey. It is her personal decision and we at Hockey India respect her decision. Hockey India would like to thank her for her service to the game and the nation."
A source close to Sportskeeda said, "There is nothing that can be done now. It's unfortunate Ritu’s career ended this way. But she will be participating in domestic tournaments in future."
The former Indian captain made her debut at a tender age of 14 at 2006 Asian Games and has represented her nation more than 200 times in which she has found the net on 16 occasions. When Ritu was 15 years old, she became the youngest ever player in the Indian senior team and became the captain four years later. She has done more than an amazing job over the last four years, leading the team to two bronze medal finishes at the 2013 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon
