It's been an outstanding journey. I never thought I would play for so long for India. I have seen a lot of poverty from childhood but my focus was always to do something, to represent the country,” Rani said.
Soorma Hockey Club, JSW Sports’ franchise in the revamped Hockey India League, will be propelled by hockey greats Sardar Singh and Rani Rampal.
The 28-year-old has since played more than 250 matches for India and scored over 120 goals during her illustrious career.
Notably, the upcoming tour for South Africa will be commencing from January 16, 2023, in Cape Town.
HI said that Rani was the obvious choice, not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team.
Deepika, who was recently conferred with the Arjuna Award, feels the team has it in them to bounce back when international competitions resume.
Rani Rampal, who will be conferred with the prestigious Khel Ratna Award this year, further said that the senior players took up the responsibility.
Having been a regular in the senior national core probable group since 2017, Rajwinder patiently awaits her turn to earn her maiden international cap.
Sardar Singh was the last hockey player to win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
The fact that she received the award from Rani Rampal served as the icing on the cake for her.
