Dejected former India skipper inconsolable after being dropped from Rio squad
Ritu Rani
New Delhi: A dejected Ritu Rani has hit back at Hockey India (HI) selectors and coach after she was not only stripped of her captaincy but was also removed from the Rio Olympics squad.
Former Indian hockey team captain Ritu Rani. Pic/AFP
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The veteran midfielder, who has been at the forefront of Indian women’s hockey for more than a decade, claimed that the allegations of poor attitude and performance brought against her were false.
The 24-year-old, who was instrumental in guiding the team to seal an Olympic berth after a 36-year hiatus, broke down during the interview to a TV channel.
“The news came as a shock to me. I had no issues of fitness or attitude at all. No explanation was given to me properly as to why I have been dropped. I didn’t leave any training or camps, I got engaged when the camp was on a break,” she said.
Ritu also pointed out that although Sardar Singh is also facing issues off the field, he has received better support from Hockey India. She also claimed that the allegations brought against her were false.
“I feel playing hockey for all these years has been useless. My fiance is hugely upset. Sardar Singh is also facing personal problems, his captaincy has been taken away as well, but he is still in the team as he deserves to be. Then why this treatment with me?”
“It’s wrong to make false allegations. I don’t think I will be able to watch the Olympic matches on TV,” Ritu added, while breaking down on live television.
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