Did not get respect I deserved: Ritu

Gagan K Teja

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 24

Former India women’s hockey skipper Ritu Rani, who was dropped from the Rio Olympics squad, is shattered and trying to come to terms with what has happened in the past couple of months.

Though Ritu again got a call for the India camp recently, she decided to bid adieu to her international career. In an e-mail to Hockey India, the 24-year-old had stated that she would not be able to join the camp at Bhopal because of her “personal priorities.” Speaking to The Tribune about her retirement, Ritu said she had finally met the officials concerned and everything has been sorted.

The midfielder will now play only in domestic circle. She is also exploring the options to represent foreign clubs.

“I have been playing in the senior team since 2006 and till date, had no problem with any coach, player or the supporting staff. Leveling unnecessary allegations against me was very agonising. What is the guarantee that it will not happen again if I join the camp? I can’t face the same trauma again and have decided to quit international hockey. It hurts a lot to say this, but I did not get the respect I deserved,” she said.

Former India hockey captain Sandeep Kaur said she did not approve of Ritu’s decision. “I know whatever happened was wrong, but if she quits now, it will prove the higher-ups right, which is not true. She should have raised her voice to get justice,” she said.