Indian hockey player Rani Rampal to be SAI coach

Rani Rampal, Indian Hockey forward

Rampal, who is the forward for the Indian women’s hockey team, has been appointed an assistant coach by the Sports Authority of India, the national sports body set up to promote sports in the country.

The 20-year-old made her debut for the Indian team as a teenager, in the 2010 World Cup. Prior to this, the Haryana-based athlete had impressed with her performance at the Champions Challenge Tournament in Russia in 2009, where she scored 4 goals and contributed significantly to India’s title win at that event. She also helped India win a bronze medal in the Junior World Cup 2013.

She was able to secure the role after the SAI relaxed its norms and criteria, and is happy to have won the post.

In a statement issued to the public, the Sports Authority of India said "Undoubtedly, Ms Rampal is one of the most accomplished hockey players of current times. She has also played an important role in the performance of the Indian team at the recently-concluded World League Semi-Finals which has almost assured an Olympic berth of the team. Considering her achievements and keeping in view that her presence will immensely motivate budding women hockey players, Sports Authority of India has decided to offer post of Assistant Coach in SAI in relaxation of the Recruitment Rules.”

It continued: “Her appointment in SAI will certainly inspire the next generation of Hockey players. She will be given required and relevant inputs/courses for honing her skills as a coach whenever she has time during off-camp and off-competition period.”