Bengaluru, 29 August 2020: Khel Ratan Rani Rampal feels that the parent body giving equal importance to women’s hockey as that of men’s is crucial in her career, which is at its peak with the coveted award handed over to her by the president of India.

“From when I started to now, many things have changed for the good in women’s hockey. Back when I began playing, women’s team played very few tournaments. We mostly played major events like Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games but now the scenario has changed so much. Hockey India and the management ensure we play tournaments round the year which has contributed tremendously towards our performance improving over the years and has also helped popularize women’s hockey,” expressed Rani who became the first Indian women’s Hockey player to receive the prestigious Khel Ratna award. She is only the third hockey player after Dhanraj Pillay and Sardar Singh to receive the highest award for sporting excellence.

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“Over the past one week, since my name was officially announced for the Khel Ratna award, I have been reflecting back on my journey so far and it makes me feel overwhelmed that women’s hockey gets equal importance as the men’s team and a women’s player being recognized with the highest award definitely goes to show the sport is moving in the right direction. I thank the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI and Hockey India for giving us all the opportunities to showcase our potential and at the same time recognizing our efforts.”

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Akashdeep Singh who received the Arjuna award expressed his emotions too.

“I thank everyone who have been part of my journey so far. I have been very fortunate to play for my country along with some of the greatest players in the sport. I also thank Hockey India and SAI for their support and ensuring we are provided with the best facilities to train.”

Both Rani and Akashdeep Singh are currently part of the on-going National Coaching Camp at Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru Campus.

Hockey India Officiating President and Secretary General congratulate the award winners and thanks them for their contribution in elevating the sport in India to the next level.