New Delhi [India], January 11: Former India women’s hockey team captain, Rani Rampal, is optimistic that the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) will pave the way for young girls to secure spots in the national team for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and beyond.
Speaking to SAI Media in Rohtak, Rani expressed confidence that the inaugural Women’s HIL, scheduled from January 12 to 26 in Ranchi, will have a profound impact on the sport, similar to the way the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) transformed women’s cricket.
The 2024-25 Women’s HIL features four teams: Delhi SG Pipers, Odisha Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Soorma Hockey Club, with Rani Rampal taking on a new role as mentor and coach for the Soorma Hockey Club. This marks Rani’s first coaching experience, and she sees it as an important step towards eventually coaching the national team.
Rani, who has represented India in over 250 international matches, believes the league has arrived at a crucial time for women’s hockey, following the disappointment of India’s failure to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. “Though there are only four teams this time, starting the league has been a long time coming. Hockey India deserves praise for this initiative,” she said.
She highlighted the success of the men’s Hockey India League, which played a significant role in the team’s back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris. “Thanks to the women’s HIL, we will see a lot of young talent rise and compete in the 2032 and 2036 Olympics. This platform will be immensely beneficial for the future of women’s hockey.”
Recalling the impact of the Women’s Indian Premier League (WPL) on women’s cricket, Rani noted, “Women’s cricket was not widely known until the WPL brought it into the limelight. Now, the sport has gained tremendous popularity, and more people are following it.”
Rani also expressed her support for PR Sreejesh, another veteran of Indian hockey who has recently taken up the role of coach for the Indian junior team. “Sreejesh has nearly two decades of international experience. I’m sure the junior team will thrive under his guidance, learning to perform under pressure.”
On coaching, Rani shared that her approach will be similar to Sreejesh’s, focusing not only on technical skills but also on emotional and mental support for the players. “I want to help the players bring out their best both on and off the field during the women’s HIL,” she added.