~ This recognition marks a significant milestone in Rani’s transition from an iconic player to an emerging high-performance coach ~
New Delhi, November 21, 2025: Hockey India today congratulated former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani on being awarded the prestigious Olympic Scholarship for the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway (WISH) Programme, Cohort 6, confirmed by Olympic Solidarity.
The high-end program will run from December 2025 to August 2027, during which Rani will undergo advanced training, leadership development and sport-specific education delivered by global experts. The scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board for the UK residential module, international travel and visa costs, as well as mentoring and program support through the International Federation.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in Rani’s transition from an iconic player to an emerging high-performance coach.
Rani led India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a moment that changed the global perception of Indian women’s hockey. In October 2024, the 30-year-old badass formally announced her retirement, ending an extraordinary career that spanned nearly two decades.
Since making her debut at the age of 14 at the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan, Rani has played 254 international matches, scoring 120 goals and setting multiple national records – including becoming the youngest Indian woman to compete at both the Senior World Cup and Olympic Qualifiers.
At the Tokyo Olympics, she remained India’s creative engine in midfield and a consistent attacking force, helping the team finish a remarkable fourth place. Her tremendous contributions earned her both the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2020.
Moreover, Rani transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She was appointed head coach of the Indian under-17 women’s team in 2023 and in 2024, she also joined Soorma Hockey Club as a mentor for Hero Hockey India League (Hero HIL).
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, congratulated Rani and said, “Rani has been one of the most inspiring figures in Indian hockey, both on and off the field. Her journey from a prodigious young talent to one of the best leaders our sport has seen is truly remarkable. This Olympic scholarship is a testament to her commitment to growing as a high-quality coach. We are confident that this program will further sharpen her skills and enable her to contribute to the next generation of champions.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added: “Rani has always led by example – first as a player, then as a captain and now as a coach. The WISH High Performance Pathway is a prestigious platform and her selection reflects her potential to become a world-class coach. Hockey India is proud of her continued achievements and will fully support her journey.”