The journey of Rani Rampal as a woman in sport and in life is a story worth remembering on International Women’s Day. The former captain of the India women’s field hockey team, known for years as the “Queen of Indian Hockey”, sees her own path as part of a broader social shift. “It reminds me how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go,” she says. “Being a role model means inspiring young girls to believe their dreams are valid and possible.”

Her story begins far from stadiums and the spotlight, in the small town of Shahabad, in the state of Haryana. Rampal grew up in a humble family: her father worked pulling a cart and her mother took care of the household in a home shared with several relatives. Resources were so scarce that even something as simple as an alarm clock was considered a luxury. “My mother hardly slept because she was afraid I would be late for training,” she recalls. “She would look at the sky to estimate when it was four in the morning and wake me up.”

A girl who had to convince her family to let her play

Before becoming one of the most recognised players in world hockey, Rampal first had to overcome a much closer obstacle: convincing her own family to allow her to play. “When I first asked to play hockey, my parents refused because I was a girl,” she remembers. “India is a very male-dominated society and many people believe girls should not play sport.” For years she insisted, cried and kept asking for an opportunity. “I told them to give me just one chance,” she explains. “I dreamed of representing my country and that dream was bigger than any obstacle.” In time, her parents finally agreed.

A decisive influence also came from her first coach, Baldev Singh, a figure Rampal still speaks about with emotion. Training sessions began at five in the morning, and one day she arrived two minutes late. The coach imposed a fine of 200 rupees, double what her father earned in a day. “I explained that my family could not afford that amount,” she says. “At the end of the training session he gave the money back and added another 100 rupees. He told me he didn’t want the money, he just wanted to teach me discipline.” From that day on, she says, she was never late again.

The dream of wearing the India jersey

Rampal’s talent emerged early. At just 14 she made her debut for the national team, becoming the youngest player ever to wear the India jersey. Over time she accumulated 254 international matches and 205 goals, establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in the country’s women’s hockey.

The national team also gained greater visibility and confidence during her career, particularly after its historic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where India came close to winning its first Olympic medal in women’s hockey. “Seeing the team reach new heights and gain the respect of the whole country made me very proud,” Rampal says. That shift also transformed perceptions of women’s sport in many communities. “Now many of the neighbours who once doubted me tell my parents they are proud,” she explains. “Some of them even send their children to play hockey.”

From the field to leadership: a new chapter

After 16 years dedicated to hockey, Rampal announced her retirement in 2024 at just 29 years old. For her, stepping away from competition did not mean leaving the sport behind, but beginning a new chapter. “I gave my childhood, my youth and everything in between to this sport,” she says. “Hockey has shaped me into the person I am today. How could I ever walk away from it?”

Her new role is linked to mentoring and developing the next generation. Rampal now works supporting young players through competitions and development initiatives. “Young players need support, especially mental support,” she explains. “If I can share what I have learned to help others, then I will continue contributing to hockey.”

Looking ahead, her vision is clear: more opportunities for girls in sport. Rampal believes the future of women’s hockey in India depends largely on investment in grassroots development and on the support of families and communities. “We need more infrastructure, more sports education and safe spaces where girls can continue playing,” she says. Her message to the next generation captures the spirit of her entire journey: “Dream boldly and work tirelessly, no matter where you come from. Your background does not define your future — your determination does.”