From poverty to Padma Shri: India’s hockey queen Rani Rampal shared her inspirational journey more sports news
When you think about the hockey of Indian women, a name shines the most bright – Rani Rampal. From the humble beginning in Haryana to the face of Indian hockey and Padm Shri Awardee, the story of the queen is one of the sheer determination, patience and braking obstacles.In the latest episode of Sports Podcast, Game on by The Times of India, hosts Preeti Dahaya sits with the Indian hockey queen for an unfortunate conversation about her incredible journey. Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The queen opens about growing up in a financially struggling family. There was a time when we did not even have a watch at home to check time. Her father was a cart-culvert and the only family’s only earning member. For the young queen, life was not about luxury; It was about existence. “Today, when I wake up on my terms, I decide what to eat, and should spend my money, the way I want, that freedom is real success,” she says.But how did the hockey get into the picture? Rani revealed a difficult truth about Indian games: “We love sports due to passion, yes. But for most athletes like me, the biggest reason is financial security – to get jobs and to support our families.”
His journey was not easy. She remembers a coach once, once tells her guru, “This girl can never play for India.” Today, she smiles because she remembers the moment: “I feel proud that I proved her wrong.”The queen also shares a deep personal inspiration – breaking the penis stereotype. “When I was born, no one refused. I was a third girl in the family. I wanted to show that girls could change life – her and her family.”Rani Rampal is a living proof that the dreams, no matter how far it may be, can be true for India, to buy a gas stove for India and to stand on stage to stand on the stage.
