Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Jan 4: In a surprising development, Soorma Hockey Club on Sunday sacked women’s team head coach Jude Menezes midway through the ongoing Hockey India League (HIL) season and appointed former India captain Rani Rampal as interim head coach.

The decision came after Soorma HC suffered defeats in all four of their matches in the first half of the second season of the HIL. Rampal, who was serving as a mentor with the franchise, will now lead the team for the remainder of the tournament, the club announced on social media.

“Soorma Hockey Club and Head Coach, Women’s Team, Jude Menezes have mutually decided to part ways with immediate effect, following the team’s start to the ongoing Hockey India League in Ranchi,” the statement said. It added that the decision was taken in the best interests of the team, while thanking Menezes for his contribution and wishing him success in his future endeavours.

“Team Mentor Rani Rampal will take over as interim coach of the women’s team for the remainder of the tournament with the support of the existing staff,” the club said.

Soorma HC, runners-up in the inaugural HIL season to the now-defunct Odisha Warriors, are yet to register a win this campaign. They opened with a 0-1 loss to Rarh Bengal Tigers, followed by another 0-1 defeat against Delhi SG Pipers. The team then went down 0-2 to Ranchi Royals before losing the return fixture against the Pipers 1-3.

Led by Salima Tete and experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia, the squad includes several international stars such as 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Penny Squibb, 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Shihori Oikawa, and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Sarah Robertson.