TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh : Etimarpu Rajani a name now etched in Indian hockey — is returning to her roots with a powerful mission: turn Andhra Pradesh into a thriving hockey hub and nurture the next generation of champions.
Born in a small village in Tirupati district, Rajani’s journey from walking 12 km daily to school to defending India’s goal at the Olympics is nothing short of inspirational. Her early exposure to sports came from a school Physical Education Teacher who spotted her potential and pointed her toward hockey.
“I didn’t grow up with many opportunities… but my father believed in me and supported my hockey dreams despite hardships,” Rajani reflected, highlighting the grit that took her to the international stage.
A Distinguished Career Worth Celebrating
National Debut: 2008
Senior Indian Team Member: Since 2009
Part of India’s journey to 2016 Rio Olympics qualification and the Tokyo Olympics — where the team finished a historic 4th place.
Silver Medalist, FIH Hockey5s World Cup as team captain.
Retired: Mid-2024 after a remarkable career spanning over a decade.
Her story includes injuries, long commutes, and even a break to focus on family and motherhood — yet she returned to the field with undiminished passion.
A Vision Beyond Personal Glory
Now, Rajani is channeling her experience into uplifting underprivileged talent. Starting June 2026, she plans to train 60–70 girls from government welfare hostels across Tirupati and Chandragiri.
“I don’t want these children to face the same struggles I went through. In the next 10 years, I want to see players from AP competing internationally.” — Etimarpu Rajani
Her long-term goal includes:
Expanding the initiative to include both girls and boys
Building infrastructure like Astroturf facilities
Organizing talent-scouting camps at district levels
Government Support & Recognition
The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, has acknowledged Rajani’s contribution, granting ₹25 lakh financial assistance and a residential plot. She also met with IT Minister Nara Lokesh, who promised support for her hockey development plans.
What This Means for Hockey in AP
What started in a humble village now has the potential to ripple across Andhra Pradesh. Rajani’s dedication — from rural fields to world stages — is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of sports .
Discussion about this post