New Delhi, 04 January (H.S.): Surma Hockey Club on Sunday parted ways with head coach Jude Menezes following a woeful start to the Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 women's season, officially confirming the decision after the team suffered four consecutive defeats.

The club, which finished as runners-up in the 2024-25 season, now ranks precariously low on the points table with just two crucial matches remaining against Ranchi Royals and Srachi Bengal Tigers.

Dramatic Coaching Overhaul Before Crucial Fixtures

Citing the team's dismal results, club management implemented immediate changes to inject fresh momentum ahead of the season's decisive encounters. In a significant move, former Indian women's team captain and current team mentor Rani Rampal has been appointed interim head coach for the remaining fixtures, supported by the existing coaching staff.

The decision reflects Surma's desperate bid to salvage pride and points from their faltering campaign.

Management expressed confidence that Rani's leadership will restore team morale, sharpen tactical execution, and unlock the squad's latent potential during this critical phase.

From Runners-Up Glory to Rock Bottom

Surma Hockey Club's transformation from league finalists last season to bottom-dwellers in 2025-26 underscores the coaching change's urgency. All eyes now turn to Rani Rampal's ability to orchestrate a respectable turnaround, leveraging her championship pedigree to rally the players for a fighting finish against Ranchi Royals and Srachi Bengal Tigers.

The coaching shake-up signals heightened stakes in the women's HIL, where strategic mid-season adjustments can dramatically alter championship trajectories.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar