London, June 9, 2025: Rita Patel, a brilliant daughter of Gujarat, has etched her name in history by clinching the Player of the Year award at the prestigious Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club in the UK. A graduate with a Master of Arts (M.A. B.Ed.) from Saurashtra University, Rita plays as a forward for the Burnt Ash (Bexley) Hockey Club in London, excelling in drag-flicks.
By winning the Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season, she has brought immense pride to Gujarat and India. Rita has embraced hockey with passion since childhood. After two years of relentless hard work at Bexley Hockey Club, she surpassed European players to earn this coveted honor.
“Hockey taught me resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of never giving up,” Rita shared. “Every challenge and setback on the field fueled my drive to workharder and prove myself.” As the only Indian player in England’s women’s hockey scene, she takes pride in competing against English teams as a Gujarati and Indian. She added,
“My family and husband’s constant encouragement have been crucial to thisachievement; it wouldn’t have been possible without them.”Rita is also skilled in cricket.In the 2023-2024 season, she played for the Orpington Ocelots Cricket Club for the first time, emerging as a strong all-rounder.
This year, during the Cricket Festival, she joined the Sidcup Cricket Club for the first time. Her exceptional bowling kept the opposition batsmen in check, and a brilliant run-out earned her team a champagne moment, showcasing her rising talent in the sport.
Rita’s success in the UK has elevated Gujarat’s pride. Her triumph in hockey and outstanding performance in cricket serve as an inspiration for Indian girls, proving that dedication and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements on the global stage.
