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India Gazette
19 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
"When the opportunity comes, I will be ready not just to play, but to make it count": says India's Women's Hockey Team Reserve Goalkeeper Bansari Solanki
New Delhi, [India], June 5 (ANI): For Bansari Solanki, being a reserve goalkeeper for the Indian Women's Hockey Team is not a place of uncertainty--it is a position of patience, preparation, and pride, according to a release from Hockey India. The 24-year-old from Surat, Gujarat, has been part of the senior national camp for the past two years and was recently named as a reserve goalkeeper in India's squad for the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25. Bansari is quietly putting in the work, staying mentally tuned in, and waiting for the moment her name is called. 'I have learned to treat every training session like my debut,' Bansari says. 'It may not be today or tomorrow, but when the opportunity comes, I'll be ready--not just to play, but to make it count.' Her journey from a schoolgirl who stumbled into goalkeeping in the 8th grade to a rising star in Indian hockey is a testament to resilience and quiet determination. Initially, a studious child with dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer, Bansari's hockey career began when her school's sports teacher needed a goalkeeper for the Under-14 team. Her height and build made her the natural choice. 'It was never my plan,' she recalls. 'I didn't want to be a goalkeeper. But somehow, that one decision changed my life.' Growing up in Gujarat, a state not known for a strong hockey culture, opportunities were few. But that changed when hockey legend and Padma Shri awardee Dhanraj Pillay became the Technical Director and High Performance Director for the Sports Authority of Gujarat. 'If I'm here today, it's because of Dhanraj sir,' she reflects. 'He gave me my first real platform. That's when I truly began to love the game.' Her performance at the Sub-Junior Nationals led to her selection for the prestigious National Hockey Academy in Delhi. 'It was overwhelming,' she recalls. 'I came from a place where we played in local kits and suddenly, I was in a national-level setup, wearing top-of-the-line goalkeeper's gear, sharing dorms with the country's best young talents.' At just 17, Bansari left behind her family and familiar life to pursue her dream in Delhi. She also completed her 12th grade through the National Institute of Open Schooling, proving her dedication to education alongside hockey. Her training at NHA under former India player and renowned goalkeeping coach Romeo James helped lay a strong technical foundation, and she credits him for shaping her into a goalkeeper of national calibre. 'I really want to mention Romeo James, sir--he was our goalkeeping coach at the National Hockey Academy,' Bansari says. 'Because of his everyday goalkeeping sessions, I could become a good goalkeeper. He built our basics from the ground up.' Bansari's family--her father, an engineer; her homemaker mother; a younger sister; and a younger brother--stood firmly behind her dreams, often making quiet sacrifices along the way. 'My parents never said no to anything, even when it meant stretching the household budget,' she recalls. 'I still remember needing a new pair of kickers that cost nearly Rs 20,000. Without hesitation, my father said, 'Go ahead, buy them.' At the time, I didn't fully grasp the weight of that support. Now I do--and it means everything.' Over the years, Bansari has captained teams in the Khelo India League and played for Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, SAI, and Union Bank in national-level competitions. She was part of the Indian team that won Gold at the 2023 Hockey 5s Asia Cup in Oman, where she was named Best Rising Goalkeeper, and followed that with a Silver at the Hockey 5s World Cup in 2024. Yet, despite these achievements, she continues to wait for her senior team debut. 'It is not easy,' she admits. 'You travel, you train, and sometimes you don't get to step on the pitch. But I have learned that goalkeeping is a journey of patience. Every goalkeeper has struggled at some point, and that gives me strength.' She credits game legends like Savita and PR Sreejesh for their mentorship. 'Savita di isn't just a brilliant goalkeeper; she's a wonderful human being. I ask her everything--from technique to how to guide the team from the post. And Sree bhai once gave me some amazing advice on positioning and mindset. Watching and learning from them is an opportunity I cherish.' With two years in the national camp, Bansari has honed her technical skills and developed a deeper awareness of her game. 'Goalkeeping isn't like math,' she laughs. 'It's not formulaic. Every moment is unpredictable. But I have learned to adapt and stay prepared.' Bansari also draws strength from her deep faith. 'In my toughest moments, I turn to Lord Krishna. His teachings keep me grounded and remind me that every phase--good or bad--is part of a larger plan. I just have to keep doing my job. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita -- Karm karo, phal ki chinta mat karo.' For Bansari, hockey is no longer just a sport--it is her purpose. 'I left my dream of becoming an engineer behind, but I have no regrets. I now dream of winning an Olympic medal for India. That's the ultimate goal. And I'll keep showing up, every single day, until that dream comes true.' (ANI)
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
FIH Pro League 2025 European Leg: India matches time, date, live streaming
The 2024/25 FIH Pro League is all set to return to action, with the world's top men's and women's hockey teams gearing up for a crucial stretch in Amsterdam (7–15 June) and Valencia (7–8 June). With each team having played eight matches, the season has reached its halfway point—and the race for the title in both leagues is still wide open. In the men's competition, England currently sit on top of the table with 16 points. But it's far from a comfortable lead. Olympic champions Belgium are level with them on points, while India are just one behind on 15. The Netherlands, fresh from winning gold at Paris 2024, aren't far off either with 14 points. Germany remain firmly in the mix with 13, setting the stage for a thrilling battle among the top five sides. The women's league is also shaping up for an exciting finish. The Netherlands, who have dominated the international stage in recent years, lead the way with 19 points. Belgium follow closely with 17, and China have quietly built a strong campaign, sitting just behind on 16. Spain and Argentina are tied at 14 points each, making every upcoming fixture potentially decisive. FIH Pro League 2025 points table: Men's: Rank Country Played Wins Draws SO-Bonus Losses GF GA GD Points 1 England 8 4 2 2 2 24 15 9 16 2 Belgium 8 4 3 1 1 23 18 5 16 3 India 8 5 0 0 3 16 12 4 15 4 Netherlands 8 2 4 4 2 19 19 0 14 5 Germany 8 4 1 0 3 26 19 7 13 6 Australia 8 3 3 0 2 17 13 4 12 7 Spain 8 3 2 1 3 15 14 1 12 8 Argentina 8 3 0 0 5 11 17 -6 9 9 Ireland 8 0 1 0 7 11 35 -24 1 Women's: Rank Country Played Wins Draws SO Bonus Losses GF GA GD Points 1 Netherlands 8 6 1 0 1 32 12 20 19 2 Belgium 8 5 2 0 1 21 13 8 17 3 China 8 4 3 1 1 19 12 7 16 4 Spain 8 4 1 1 3 15 17 −2 14 5 Argentina 8 3 3 2 2 14 13 1 14 6 India 8 2 2 1 4 13 19 −6 9 7 Australia 8 2 1 1 5 15 16 −1 8 8 Germany 8 1 2 1 5 11 18 −7 6 9 England 8 1 1 1 6 11 31 −20 4 FIH Pro League 2025 European Leg: Full schedule of India Da te Time (IST) Category Opponent Venue Country (Venue) Sat, 07 Jun 19:30 Men's Netherlands Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen Netherlands Mon, 09 Jun 18:00 Men's Netherlands Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen Netherlands Wed, 11 Jun 18:30 Men's Argentina Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen Netherlands Thu, 12 Jun 18:30 Men's Argentina Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen Netherlands Sat, 14 Jun 14:00 Men's Australia Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sat, 14 Jun 15:30 Women's Australia Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London England Sun, 15 Jun 14:00 Men's Australia Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sun, 15 Jun 15:00 Women's Australia Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London England Tue, 17 Jun 20:00 Women's Argentina Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London England Wed, 18 Jun 20:00 Women's Argentina Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London England Sat, 21 Jun 16:30 Women's Belgium Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sat, 21 Jun 19:00 Men's Belgium Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sun, 22 Jun 16:30 Women's Germany Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sun, 22 Jun 19:00 Men's Belgium Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium Sat, 28 Jun 17:30 Women's Belgium Ernst Reuter Sportfeld, Berlin Germany Sun, 29 Jun 19:00 Women's Netherlands Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp Belgium FIH Pro League 2025 European Leg: India matches live streaming and telecast details When will the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025 begin? The European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025 will begin on Saturday, 7 June. When will the India men's team start their campaign in the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg? The India men's team will start their FIH Pro League 2025 European leg with a match against the Netherlands on 7 June. When will the India women's team start their campaign in the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg? The India women's team will start their FIH Pro League 2025 European leg with a match against Australia on 14 June. Where to watch live telecast of the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg matches in India? Star Sports Network will live telecast the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg matches in India. Where to watch live streaming of the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg matches in India? JioHotstar, via their app and website, will live stream the FIH Pro League 2025 European leg matches in India.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Pratima Barwa, the coach who gave wings to Adivasi hockey players
Chances are that most outside the modest Indian hockey universe would not have heard of Pratima Barwa. Perhaps she preferred it that way. Barwa, who passed away on Sunday aged 44 due to a brain haemorrhage, dedicated her life to hockey. She did what few could — identify and nurture young talents in one of the sport's biggest catchment areas, Jharkhand's Simdega. Because of her efforts, Indian hockey is in a better place — three players, including captain Salima Tete, are currently part of the national team that is in Europe for the FIH Pro League. Grassroots coaching is one of the most unglamorous parts of sport because of the lack of incentive. Yet, without such coaches, the sporting ecosystem would be a non-starter. Selfless coaches like Barwa, who was from Khunti, have kept Indian hockey running. Her academy was rudimentary, and some of the coaching methods were, possibly, archaic. But Barwa, described as a 'mother figure' by her wards, did something far more impactful — she got children hooked to hockey and gave wings to their dreams. Barwa's own aspirations to play for India were unfulfilled. She played for Bihar in the early 1990s. However, a left knee ligament injury in 1995 cut short her playing career. She then promised herself that she would help young players from the region. Barwa's journey as a coach began in 2008 after she completed a diploma from the National Institute of Sport in Patiala. A job with the Jharkhand government as a coach took her to Simdega, and the hard yards began. From sunrise to sunset, she would travel to schools and villages where there was the slightest promise of talent, convince the families to let their child play hockey and then groom them into world-class talents. Barwa never got the recognition she deserved. Her legacy will, however, be there for all to see each time the Indian team steps onto the hockey field.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
India edge Ireland to complete series win
India edged a thrilling second encounter with Ireland 2-1 at Pembroke, despite the hosts' best effort to draw level in the closing minutes. After losing the opening match in the series on Monday 4-0, the Irish came out of the blocks quickly. Early periods of possession allowed the hosts to settle into the game and produce chances. India, however, eventually producing a number of circle entries late in the opening quarter, but Ireland defended soundly to keep it scoreless The first penalty corner of the game would go the way of India in the subsequent corner, with Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flick deflected wide by the Irish defensive penalty corner team. Ireland responded, winning a penalty corner of their own which was well saved off Luke Madeley. The resulting long corner saw India steal the ball and break quickly, eventually breaking the deadlock when Lakra Shilanand finished off the smooth counter-attacking move. Ireland's intensity continued into the second half as they looked to find a route back into the game. Sustained pressure and good counter-pressing kept India pegged back deep in their own half for long periods as the Irish looked to break their way into the Indian circle. A rare attack from the visitors gave them an opportunity at goal which they didn't squander, Dulpreet deflecting home on the back post to double their lead. The home side responded almost immediately, however. An attacking move down the left almost straight from tip-off saw an inviting ball into the circle reach Louis Rowe, the Banbridge forward did well to find an inch of space and flick goalwards, squeezing the ball into the side netting It was almost exclusively one-way traffic in the final quarter, with Ireland throwing every remaining ounce of energy at India as they searched for an equaliser. An incisive run from Mark McNellis and clever piece of skill won Ireland a late penalty corner and a golden opportunity to equalise with just seconds remaining. Luke Madeley's effort from the corner looked destined to end up in the back of the net, but the attempt was parried wide thanks to a textbook save from the India keeper. Both sides will now travel to Amstelveen to face the Netherlands in their next stage of the FIH Pro League. Ireland will face the Dutch on 11/12 June at 7pm (Irish time).
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Ireland go down battling to India in thrilling second game of two-match series
The Olympic bronze medalists and world number five ranked nation managed to hold onto their 2-1 lead as Ireland fought to draw level in the closing minutes. Ireland's second encounter against India on home soil saw them come out of the blocks quickly as they looked to improve on the performance from the previous day. Early periods of possession allowed Ireland to settle into the game and produce chances. India did, however, managed to work themselves into the game eventually producing a number of circle entries late in the opening quarter, but Ireland defended soundly to keep the scoreline level. The first penalty corner of the game would go the way of India in quarter two, with Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flick deflected wide by the Irish defensive penalty corner team. Ireland responded, winning a penalty corner of their own which was well saved off Luke Madeley. The resulting long corner saw India steal the ball and break quickly, eventually breaking the deadlock when Lakra Shilanand finished off the smooth counter attacking move. Ireland's intensity continued into the second half as they looked to find a route back into the game. Sustained pressure and good counter-pressing kept India pegged back deep in their own half for long periods as Ireland looked to break their way into the Indian circle. A rare India attack gave them an opportunity at goal which they didn't squander, Dulpreet deflecting home on the back post to double their lead. ADVERTISEMENT The home side responded almost immediately, however. An attacking move down the left almost straight from tip-off saw an inviting ball into the circle reach Louis Rowe, the Banbridge forward did well to find an inch of space and flick goalwards, squeezing the ball into the side-netting to grab Ireland's first goal and half the deficit. It was almost exclusively one-way traffic in the final quarter, with Ireland throwing every remaining ounce of energy at India as they searched for an equaliser. An incisive run from Mark McNellis and clever piece of skill won Ireland a late penalty corner and a golden opportunity to equalise with just seconds remaining. Luke Madeley's effort from the corner looked destined to end up in the back of the net, but the attempt was parried wide thanks to a textbook save from the India keeper. India walked away as 2-1 victors. Both Ireland and India will now travel to Amstelveen to face the Netherlands in their next stage of the FIH Pro League. Ireland will face the Dutch on June 11 and 12 at 7pm Irish time, with both games available to watch on the TG4 player.
