Rani dedicates Khel Ratna award to corona warriors
Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal’s story is a perfect example of one that’s built on grit and determination. At the age of 15, she was the youngest player in the national team to play the 2010 World Cup. And a decade later she will be conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, on August 29.
“This is a big achievement because previously women’s hockey wasn’t given much importance. I feel happy and this honour will add to its recognition. It is an amazing feeling when your hard work is rewarded,” she says.
The 25-year old dedicates her award to the front line workers fighting Covid-19. She says, “I have seen senior players play and it has always inspired me to do something for the nation. In these tough times, I would like to dedicate this award to our corona warriors, who’re working to keep all of us safe. It is commendable how selfless they are,” says Rampal.
However, it’s not been an easy journey for her. “Being a woman athlete, I had my own set of struggles. I belong to Haryana, comparing the present times to when I was growing up, girls faced lots of restrictions. Another struggle used to be the financial status of the family. But these things never affected me because I always had in mind that I have to achieve what I want, no matter what,” says the Asian Games (2018) silver medallist.
Rampal is the first ever women hockey player to be conferred with this award. She says, “I believe that such awards will motivate girls to choose sports as a career. I want to inspire as many girls as I can. There have been many changes to promote the sport among women. Academies are being established, so that more women could participate.”
Talking about the popularity of hockey, she says, “People are moving towards hockey but we need more support. Support from people means a lot to us, it will help us keep going and achieve bigger feats.”
I believe that such awards will motivate girls to choose sports as a career. I want to inspire as many girls as I can. RANI RAMPAL, INDIAN HOCKEY CAPTAIN