Indian women's hockey legend Rani Rampal has raised concerns over the fitness of several players chosen for the upcoming Asian Games. Interestingly, she hinted at no plans to hang her boots anytime soon. In a surprising move by Hockey India, Rampal was excluded from the team set for the Hangzhou Asian Games. This decision came despite her commendable recovery from a hamstring injury post-Tokyo Olympics. Under her esteemed leadership, the Indian women's team had achieved an unparalleled fourth-place finish at the Olympics.
Rampal's prowess was further solidified when she led the scoreboard with 18 goals during Haryana's victorious run in the recent National Games in Gujarat.
However, Rani remains unfazed by this oversight, "I am in that stage of life where I don't have to prove anything," she expressed during an exclusive interaction with PTI. "I know I am not there in the Asian Games team. There are players in the squad who are unfit... but hockey gave me a lot in life."
Looking back at her post-Olympic journey, Rani recalled it as the most challenging period of her career, filled with trials both on and off the field. Despite her unwavering efforts to regain optimal fitness, she lamented, "I didn't get any chance since the last two years."
The 28-year-old, hailing from Shahbad, Haryana, emphasized her unyielding spirit, "From childhood, my attitude was to never give up... I believe a lot in karma. I don't want to keep any regret in life." Presently, Rampal is nurturing sub-junior girls in hockey, striving to pass on her invaluable insights. Concurrently, she remains committed to her game, awaiting her next chance to shine.
She concluded with a heartfelt aspiration, "I have no regrets in life... but I want the Indian women's hockey team on the Olympics podium one day." Despite her readiness for both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, her selection remains a mystery.
Rampal's illustrious career has been adorned with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the esteemed Padma Shri in 2020.
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