Jude Menezes has decided to part ways with the Soorma Hockey Club. His role as their head coach will no longer be in effect.
The decision was taken following the club’s disappointing results in the ongoing Women’s Hero Hockey India League in Ranchi. An official statement has also been released by the club on their X account confirming the news. Replacing him, Rani Rampal has been appointed the interim head coach for the remainder of the Women’s HIL 2025-26 league.
In the released statement, the Soorma Hockey Club credited Menezes’ contribution and wished him luck for his future endeavors. The club has decided not to make any additional comments on the matter at this time. The Soorma Hockey Club has lost the first four matches in the ongoing Women’s HIL league.
The statement stated, “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 decision has been taken in the best interests of the team.
“The club wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to Jude for his contribution and wishes him the very best 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. Soorma Hockey Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Indian women’s hockey queen Rani Rampal’s addition to the team will be one to watch. She has previously led the team in the 2024 Women’s HIL as a coach and mentor. Her return will see her working alongside the existing coaching staff. The Soorma Club won the match against Ranchi Royals on Monday, January 5, 2026. They now have one more match remaining with the Shrachi Bengal Tigers.
India’s women’s hockey team coach and former captain Rani, contributed to hockey with a 16-year career that stands remarkable and was nothing less than a promising one. Her journey carries inspiration, coming from a poverty-stricken family to becoming a legend today.
Under her captaincy, the Indian women’s hockey team won a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, followed by their entry into the quarter-finals of the World Cup, while they also finished in No. 4 at the Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile, in 2023, she led India’s U-17 team.
