Speaking from her hometown in Shahabad Markanda, a district in Kurukshertra, Rampal said that her decision to take up the post at such a young age shouldn't come as a surprise to those following the game.
Rani Rampal sure knows how to start young. At 15, she made her senior India debut in the 2010 Hockey World Cup. Now 20 and one of the first names on the team sheet, the striker has made inroads into coaching as well.
With the Sports Authority of India roping in Rampal as the assistant coach of SAI's women's team on Tuesday, the Haryana girl can't wait to begin her second innings.
Speaking from her hometown in Shahabad Markanda, a district in Kurukshertra, Rampal said that her decision to take up the post at such a young age shouldn't come as a surprise to those following the game.
"What has age got to do with it?" Rampal asked. "There is no age bar to help budding hockey players. I had applied for the post five months ago. The SAI has a very strict policy regarding the appointment of coaches with only retired players fulfilling the criteria. I have been playing hockey for the past six years and I am just 20. Being young is my best plus point.
"And, what many don't know is that I have been assisting hockey players at the academy in Shahabad. Whenever I come back from a tournament, I spend a few days here. So, it's not like I have never coached anyone before. Maybe, these qualities were the ones that made the SAI select me," said Rampal, who was part of the bronze medal-winning side at the Junior World Cup in 2013.
Rampal added that SAI has been co-operative. "I will only be coaching when I have a break between tournaments. Another thing is that these clinics will be held in Patiala, which is very close to where I reside. Playing for India will always be my top-most priority. We have a lot of tournaments lined up before Rio next year. In no way will this appointment affect my schedule. Stress ki toh baat hi nahi. Aap tension na lo (there is no question of stress here, you do not worry)," said Rampal, who will next be seen in action at the seventh Junior Women Asia Cup in Changzhou, China, in September.
Rampal said that the experience of playing counts a lot. "I have no credentials as a coach. But why should that be a problem. Normally, you'll see former players taking up such posts to stay in touch with the game. I, too, want to stay as close to the game as I can. But sometimes experience counts for much more than doing coaching degrees. Six years of experience surely counts more than a coaching degree, doesn't it?"
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