The rise of the Indian women's hockey team players despite all the odds is a lesson in life. Consider Rani Rampal, which might serve as a classic example of what she had to go through before being Indian hockey's youngest international debut, aged 14.
The 21-year-old ever-smiling stalwart, like the many mysteries and fables given to the world, and been marveled at and admired by the people, is an example marvelous and mysterious kind. A mystery that has gotten only more intriguing in the last couple of years, giving the impression that there are many, more layers to be unraveled inside of this talented Indian hockey stalwart.
It just feels like a mirror image of talent and commitment when you turn from Sardar Singh who has given his heart and soul for the team all these years, to Rani, the striker of Blueskirts.
The passion for the sport and the urge of building a house for her family taught her how to focus on what she wants to achieve and to grab her dreams with the hockey stick. By the time she reached the age of 9, Rani had already committed her entire focus exclusively on hockey in the Shahbad Academy under coach Baldev Singh. The Dronacharya Awardee taught her the rudiments of the game. He gave Rani shoes, stick, and every equipment since she came from a poor family, with her cart-puller father being the only earning member.
From a memorable Junior World Cup in 2009 to gradually becoming one of the country's best hockey players, is highlighted by over 150 caps and close to 100 goals. She has put in memorable performances and accumulated goals in crunch situations, but behind this greatness lies years of dedication, hard work, and passion.
In the 36 years that women’s hockey has been included in the Olympics, India has never qualified. The team took part in the inaugural event in 1980, which was an invitation event and qualified for the first time this year.
The Ritu Rani-led side beat Japan 1-0 at the Hockey World League semi-finals to secure a place in Rio and history. At the Olympic Hockey Centre, Sushila Chanu’s team played against the same opponent in their first match. The goal scorer on both occasions, and on so many other occasions, was Rani Rampal.
In the Hockey World Cup or the recently-concluded Rio Olympic Games, she always conveys the opposition that 'we are going hard at you' aggressive brand of hockey. It is not emotionally aggressive; it’s about playing the game in right spirit and at the same time, playing hard.
At a time when her shoes cost 10,000 rupees, she was paid Rs 12,000 a month by Railways and Sports Authority of India, she dreamt of playing in the Olympics and never gave up. This perhaps highlights why Indian hockey is now emerging on the international stage. She displays the whole gamut of expressions during a match - ranging from exultation to frustration which adds to her ultimate charm. This possibly gives Rani that edge over her opponents, ensuring that she's always has a chance to score, despite how many events may be unfolding in the match.
If you respect your passion, it will take care of you
Selected by the Sports Authority of India for Arjuna Award, Rani made it possible despite extreme poverty and dearth of resources required for training in her initial years. From being frowned upon for playing hockey to receiving the Arjuna Award from the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, this is indeed a huge achievement.
"When I started my journey as a hockey player at the age of nine in Shahbaad, I had never imagined I would scale such heights and be part of the Indian team that would play at the Olympics after 36 years. To be part of the Rio contingent was like a dream," said Rani, immediately after her felicitation. "To receive this award among such high-profile dignitaries and fellow sportspersons inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a huge honour and my parents and family are very excited for me. This award will help me stay motivated and ensure the team qualifies for the Tokyo Olympics," she added.
Despite their financial condition, her father did not stop Rani from playing in the same village where women were once humiliated for wearing short skirts. That's the unique power of sport. It teaches you a lot about life without her realizing it. How to work hard, how to be part of the national team, be respectful and many more things. To get this far is a huge success for Rani and no one can take any credit away from her. She has built a house for her parents where they will move by the end of this year.
Your dream gets realised when you believe in your dream and never give up. That’s exactly what Rani did.
