Rani Rampal picks up hockey stick again and inspires Haryana to National Games gold

There was many Olympians in the fray in the National Games in Uttarakhand, including shooting sport medalists Swapnil Kushale and Sarabjot Singh. There was ace archer Deepika Kumari, whose presence in Dehradun made the National Games Organising Committee acknowledge as raising the stature of the competition itself.

An hour and a half away from the main venue in Dehradun, former India women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal showcased her commitment. Turning out for Haryana, she scored six goals, including three from penalty corner exercises, to emerge top scorer in the competition in Haridwar. But more than scoring, she was contributing in an intangible manner – inspiring players from all teams. 

Of course, it is never easy to move to the penumbra after being in the spotlight for many years. But Rani has found comfort in all that she does – be it as a mentor and coach for the Soorma Hockey Club, Punjab, which made it to the final of the Hockey India League or in returning to play her fifth National Games competition and earning her fourth gold medal.

It could be her way of adapting to the challenge that comes with transitioning from player to former player. Quite a few athletes across disciplines have found it tough to find something purposeful to do after attaining their sporting goals. And many have found it daunting to embark on a new journey after getting over a finish line.

“I must admit that I feel good in being able to contribute to the evolution of these players. I am really happy that I could play the National Games and enjoy contributing to the team’s success on the pitch. I loved working with this lot and believe that we have a bright future,” Rani said, reaffirming that little gave her as much delight as being on the pitch.

“I think it is very important because I was very inspired as a young player when I saw idols who had represented India. I wanted to emulate them as both a player and a human. I would like to believe that the current generation also dreams of playing with those who have served the national team with distinction,” she said.

It is not common to watch players accept the responsibility of sharing knowledge with their succeeding generations. And when it does unfold, it is indeed heart-warming sight. For, it contrasts sharply with the largely held view among retired players that they would only speak to current athletes only if the latter approached them. 

It was fascinating to watch her off the pitch, moments after Haryana beat Madhya Pradesh 4-1 in the final. She made a brief and purposeful address in the team huddle, encouraging the team to enjoy the moment but to remain committed to the pursuit of excellence. She spoke patiently with a couple of media persons before joining the team and many officials for a customary photograph.

A media person who interviewed the 30-year-old and eventually asked her name heard a volley of indignation. It is unlikely that he would have submitted the file to his producers without editing out his final question and her raised eyebrows, the shocked frown leaving her with a number of lines on her forehead. 

She calmed down almost as soon as the hapless reporter went away, carrying his camera and microphone. Rani then went about doing things that gave her joy, answering questions from other media persons, receiving mementos from  many fans and admirers and posing for photographs with countless others.

Be that as it may, Rani Rampal’s example could be a lesson in managing transition for many athletes who are on the cusp of retirement and are looking at options beyond sport. Even as she is preparing for life as a coach, she worked on her fitness and skills to be able to show up in the National Games as an important cog in the wheel of the Haryana team.