Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: October 31, 2023, 14:11 IST
Indian hockey star Rani Rampal
The National Games platform nonetheless holds a particular place in Rani’s life after being scouted as a 14-yr-previous in 2007.
Rani Rampal, one in every of India’s most embellished hockey gamers, has had a particular reference to the National Games.
She was first scouted for the nationwide group again in 2007 when she was simply 14 years previous in the Games held at Guwahati, Assam, and her profession was quick-tracked thereafter. The 28-yr-previous has since performed greater than 250 matches for India and scored over 120 objectives throughout her illustrious profession.
But the National Games platform nonetheless holds a particular place in Rani’s life and the previous India skipper and now the coach of India’s U-17 group is in Goa to guide defending champions Haryana in the thirty seventh version of the Games.
Haryana made a resounding begin to their marketing campaign on the Peddem Sports Stadium with an 8-0 victory over Tamil Nadu with Rani additionally getting on the scoreboard.
“National Games has a special place in my heart. I first took part in the National Games in 2007 and I was picked for the national camp based on my performance there. This is the very tournament that opened the doors for the national team for me,” stated Rani, who’s enjoying in her fourth National Games right here.
“Playing for your country is the proudest moment in any sportsperson’s life. But it is always special to remember where it all started and represent your state at any platform and contribute to their success,” stated Rani, who holds the report of being the youngest ladies’s hockey participant to debut for the Indian senior group.
Rani had led the Haryana group to National Games glory final yr in Gujarat quickly after main the Indian group to fourth spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Speaking in regards to the significance for senior worldwide gamers turning out for his or her state groups, Rani stated, “When we were upcoming players, having a senior international player in the squad would give us added motivation. This Haryana team has made young talented players and if I presence can help them in any way to excel then what could be a better contribution from me to the cause of hockey.”
Rani was pleased that Goa was internet hosting the National Games this yr and stated it displays the rising sports activities tradition throughout the nation and hope that the state would produce worldwide stars in the close to future.
