Hockey India on Friday 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-performance programme 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, board and lodging for the UK residential module, international travel and visa costs, as well as mentoring and programme support through the International Federation.

This recognition marks an important 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 Olympics, a moment that transformed the global perception of Indian women’s hockey.

In October 2024, the 30-year-old stalwart formally announced her retirement, bringing to a close an extraordinary career spanning nearly two decades.

Since making her debut at just 14 during the 2008 Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan, Rani went on to play 254 international matches, scoring 120 goals, and setting multiple national records — including becoming the youngest Indian woman to feature at both the senior World Cup and Olympic qualification.

At the Tokyo Olympics, she remained India’s creative engine in midfield and a constant attacking force, helping the team finish a remarkable fourth. Her stellar contributions earned her both the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri in 2020.

Also, Rani seamlessly transitioned into coaching. She was appointed Head Coach of India’s Under-17 Women’s Team in 2023, and in 2024, she also joined the Soorma Hockey Club as mentor for Hero Hockey India League (Hero HIL).

Congratulating Rani, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Rani has been one of the most inspirational figures in Indian hockey, both on and off the field. Her journey from a prodigious young talent to one of the finest leaders our sport has seen is truly remarkable."

"This Olympic Scholarship is a testament to her commitment to grow as a high-performance coach. We are confident that this programme will further sharpen her skills and empower her to contribute to the next generation of champions,” he said.

Hockey India Secretary General 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.”