Rani Rampal is the inspiring source behind Neelam Panghal's success

Neelam Panghal, the young 19-year-old star player who scored the winning goal for India in the Junior Asia Cup final against Korea in Japan feels inspired by former India captain Rani Rampal. ‘Believe in yourself’ - these words said by Rani Rampal left a lasting impression on Neelam. Hailing from Hisar district in Haryana, Neelam created history in the 41st minute as India defeated four-time champions Korea 2-1 in Kakamigahara, Japan. 

“Whenever Rani conducted a session, she told us to 'believe in yourself', and that is what inspired me. I took a few penalty corner sessions from Rani Di in Bengaluru, especially about her hitting skills. I began taking penalty corners at a young age, I used to drag (the stick) but I started taking hits watching Rani Di. I have learnt a lot from her,” said Neelam as she recalled the days spent in training for the game.

Neelam had made up her mind after seeing her sisters fail to make it to the national level. The resolution to succeed just grew with every passing day. In an interview, she spoke her heart out and the journey to date. 

She said, “I decided to play hockey after watching my sisters play the sport. I used to accompany them to the ground and, in time, I developed a liking for the game. Then I joined the Sports Authority of India hostel in Hisar in 2014 and honed my skills under Azad Singh Malik sir. I played my first sub-junior tournament in 2016 and since then I've never looked back."

In the Junior Asia Cup, Neelam scored five goals from penalty corners. The final was keenly controlled at half-time before Neelam scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner. She added, “It was a great feeling, there was great excitement and the team wanted a goal. When we got to the penalty corner, my teammates wanted me to score the winning goal. At that moment, I thought my goal was a collective effort... I felt the team had scored the goal, not me, such was the excitement."

On being asked whether she considers any sportsperson as an icon, Neelam said, “I am interested in learning a little bit from every player. Every player has their skills and I want to learn from everyone.” For Neelam, her biggest support system is her family and coach. “My family has been my biggest support. They never stopped me from playing. Whenever I feel disappointed and want to give up hockey, my brother and sister keep me motivated.”

Neelam wants to solely focus on her game and is not bothered about the selection. She said, "The focus is now on the (Junior) World Cup and returning home with a medal. I leave it (Asian Games selection) to the coaches and selection committee. They have seen me play, so whatever decision they take I would accept."

Neelam also is grateful to chief coach Janneke Schopman for guiding Indian women's hockey. “From the opening match to the last game, we were getting lessons from Janneke. Learning is a process which never stops. Hockey is a team game and I would credit the victory to the team. It was a team effort.”