As the Indian women’s hockey team sharpens its focus on a demanding international season ahead, strengthening the last line of defence has emerged as a clear priority. In a targeted effort to elevate goalkeeping standards, the team recently concluded an intensive high-performance camp in Bengaluru, designed to fine-tune both technical precision and mental resilience among its custodians.
The 11-day specialised camp, held from April 22 to May 2 at the Sports Authority of India centre in Bengaluru, brought together senior goalkeepers Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki and Madhuri Kindo. The camp was conducted by experienced Northern Irish coach David Williamson under the supervision of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne, with support from Anandana Coca-Cola India Foundation. The initiative was part of a broader strategy by Hockey India to reinforce a critical position on the field ahead of key international tournaments later this year. Over the course of the camp, the goalkeepers underwent focused sessions centred on technical fundamentals, decision-making, defensive organisation, and tactical awareness in match-like scenarios.
Williamson, who has previously worked extensively with the United States women’s national team and brings years of specialised goalkeeping expertise, led high-intensity drills aimed at improving reflexes, positioning, and communication. The training also incorporated scenario-based simulations, including penalty corner defence and set-piece organisation, helping goalkeepers adapt to real-game pressure situations.
Speaking on the benefits of such focused camps for goalkeepers, Savita said, “Being a goalkeeper, I’ve always felt that these camps help you learn a lot while polishing and improving your skills. We recreate match-like situations in training and have plenty of discussions. That level of attention to detail helps us feel more comfortable when we face similar situations during matches. These specialised camps are always important, and we would like to thank Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, for their support.”
Beyond her individual preparation, Savita also embraced her role as a senior figure within the squad. “Being a senior player, I have to ensure that I not only focus on my own performance but also pay attention to and motivate the younger keepers. I’m always observing how they are doing and how I can guide them in small details based on my experience. I try to maintain a positive environment because I believe that when you train in the right environment, you perform better. It’s about keeping everyone motivated and pushing them to improve. At times, we were exhausted at the end of sessions, but overcoming that is part of the mindset as we try to make the most of these camps,” she added.
For Bichu Devi, who has already established herself at the international level with over 60 caps, the camp served as a crucial preparatory phase. “This camp was very important for us as we prepare for upcoming tournaments. We focused on improving fitness while also ensuring that our defensive structure remains solid in match situations,” she said.
Elaborating on her key learnings, she added, “There was a strong focus on the defensive side. It’s not only about structure and shape at the back, but also about communication. Attention to detail helps improve performance as a goalkeeper.”
Meanwhile, Bansari Solanki, one of the emerging names in the squad, highlighted the importance of composure under pressure. “The key learnings for me were decision-making under pressure, organising the defence, and staying calm on the field. Staying in control of these aspects allows a goalkeeper to be more consistent,” she said.
She further reflected on the coaching structure, noting, “We had excellent goalkeeper sessions with David. We worked on strengthening our basics and making minor adjustments that can significantly improve our game. With Sjoerd sir, the focus was more on tactics- skills, set pieces, and defensive work during penalty corners. His sessions helped us understand different match situations and organise the defence accordingly.” The camp also saw integration between senior and junior players, a move aimed at building depth and ensuring a smoother transition pipeline within the national setup. According to the coaching staff, such exposure is vital for developing young goalkeepers and preparing them for future international responsibilities.
With a packed international calendar approaching, including major tournaments from mid-year onwards, the emphasis on specialised training reflects India’s intent to strengthen its defensive core. The Bengaluru camp not only enhanced individual skill sets but also reinforced collective coordination at the back, a factor that could prove decisive in high-stakes competitions.
As the team moves forward, the lessons from this camp are expected to translate into sharper performances on the field, with India’s goalkeepers better equipped to handle the intensity and unpredictability of international hockey.
