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India Gazette
5 days 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)
India Gazette
03-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Enthusiastic Indian Hockey players sign up for various educational courses with Amity University
New Delhi [India], June 3 (AN): More than 100 Indian hockey players have signed up for various educational courses with Amity University Online as they look to secure their future outside and be part of a holistic development programme, as per the Hockey India press release. Among the top names to have signed up are Indian Women's Hockey Team's goalkeeper Savita, the Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Manpreet Singh. Players from the India Junior Hockey Teams and the Indian Senior Hockey Teams have enrolled themselves in these educational courses. Earlier in May, Hockey India and Amity University Online (AUO) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is aimed at reshaping the future of Indian athletes by providing comprehensive educational opportunities to hockey players at the international, national, and state levels. The MoU was signed on 20th May, celebrated nationwide as 'Hockey Day' to commemorate a century of hockey excellence in India. From the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team, there have been 12 players who have registered themselves for the educational courses, with eight of them picking Bachelor of Arts courses while the remainder have gone in for Sports Psychology. Within the Indian Women's Hockey Team squad, as many as 39 athletes have enrolled themselves in various courses. Whilst Goalkeeper Savita has gone in for an MBA, forward Lalremsiami is the only one to have picked an MA in Psychology course, and young Beauty Dung Dung is hoping to earn her stripes in Sports Psychology. Out of the 39 players, three have gone in for a Bachelor of Arts course, seven have picked a BBA course, and one has signed on for an MA in Psychology course. Meanwhile, Ishika Chaudhary is the only one to have gone in for an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication course. However, among the most sought-after courses were the MBA and Sports Psychology degrees, with 13 and 14 players registering for them, respectively. The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team have also responded enthusiastically to this initiative, with a grand total of 32 players signing up for further education. Whilst Mohammad Konain Dad is the only one to have gone in for a seven others have picked a Bachelor of Arts degree, two more have signed on for a Master of Arts degree, and 22 are keen on delving into the world of Sports Psychology. Last but not the least, the Indian Men's Hockey Team to have good numbers in participation, as 36 players are keen on higher education. Whilst captain Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Hardik Singh are among 17 players who have picked an MBA course, six players are going to feature in Bachelor of Arts courses, and 13 more will be studying Sports Psychology. Speaking on the occasion, Savita said, as quoted by the Hockey India press release, 'This is a fantastic initiative by Hockey India and Amity University, as it gives us athletes more opportunities after our playing careers are over. I have decided to go in with an MBA, and it is very encouraging to see that so many fellow players are also keen on higher education.' Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh said, 'Every athlete can only play till a certain point in life, but after that, there is a lot of time in our lives. An initiative like this by Hockey India and Amity University is very much appreciated, as it helps us think along the lines of a future beyond our playing days. An MBA will be a very intense course, but I am looking forward to balancing playing and academics once again.' Lalremsiami, who is the only player from the Indian Women's Hockey Team to have decided on an MA in Psychology, said, 'It is very important for us athletes to complete our education as soon as we can because our playing careers make it hectic for us. Amity University is very well known, and their robust educational modules will surely help us athletes do well in the future. I am grateful to Hockey India and Amity University for this opportunity.' 'When we are coming through the age-group teams and going through the ranks, our playing career takes priority while matters such as education can take a bit of a back seat. However, that is important, and I am glad we are getting this opportunity now to complete this with the support of one of the best universities in the country. I am sure this initiative by Hockey India and Amity University will also tell younger athletes that you can balance it all out,' said Manpreet Singh. (ANI)
United News of India
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- United News of India
Indian Hockey players sign up for various educational courses with Amity University
New Delhi, June 3 (UNI) More than 100 Indian hockey players have signed up for various educational courses with Amity University Online as they look to secure their future outside and be part of a holistic development programme. Among the top names to have signed up are Indian Women's Hockey Team's goalkeeper Savita, the Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Manpreet Singh. Players from the India Junior Hockey Teams and the Indian Senior Hockey Teams have enrolled themselves in these educational courses. Earlier in May, Hockey India and Amity University Online (AUO) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is aimed at reshaping the future of Indian athletes by providing comprehensive educational opportunities to hockey players at the international, national, and state levels. The MoU was signed on May 20, celebrated nationwide as "Hockey Day" to commemorate a century of hockey excellence in India. From the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team, there have been 12 players who have registered themselves for the educational courses, with eight of them picking Bachelor of Arts courses while the remainder have gone in for Sports Psychology. Within the Indian Women's Hockey Team squad, as many as 39 athletes have enrolled themselves in various courses. Whilst Goalkeeper Savita has gone in for an MBA, forward Lalremsiami is the only one to have picked an MA in Psychology course, and young Beauty Dung Dung is hoping to earn her stripes in Sports Psychology. Out of the 39 players, three have gone in for a Bachelor of Arts course, seven have picked a BBA course, and one has signed on for an MA in Psychology course. Meanwhile, Ishika Chaudhary is the only one to have gone in for an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication course. However, among the most sought-after courses were the MBA and Sports Psychology degrees, with 13 and 14 players registering for them, respectively. The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team have also responded enthusiastically to this initiative, with a grand total of 32 players signing up for further education. Whilst Mohammad Konain Dad is the only one to have gone in for a seven others have picked a Bachelor of Arts degree, two more have signed on for a Master of Arts degree, and 22 are keen on delving into the world of Sports Psychology. Last but not the least, the Indian Men's Hockey Team to have good numbers in participation, as 36 players are keen on higher education. Whilst captain Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, and Hardik Singh are among 17 players who have picked an MBA course, six players are going to feature in Bachelor of Arts courses, and 13 more will be studying Sports Psychology. Speaking on the occasion, Savita said, 'This is a fantastic initiative by Hockey India and Amity University, as it gives us athletes more opportunities after our playing careers are over. I have decided to go in with an MBA and it is very encouraging to see that so many fellow players are also keen on higher education.' Indian Men's Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh said, 'Every athlete can only play till a certain point in life, but after that, there is a lot of time in our lives. An initiative like this by Hockey India and Amity University is very much appreciated, as it helps us think along the lines of a future beyond our playing days. An MBA will be a very intense course, but I am looking forward to balancing playing and academics once again.' Lalremsiami, who is the only player from the Indian Women's Hockey Team to have decided on an MA in Psychology, said, 'It is very important for us athletes to complete our education as soon as we can because our playing careers make it hectic for us. Amity University is very well known, and their robust educational modules will surely help us athletes do well in the future. I am grateful to Hockey India and Amity University for this opportunity.' 'When we are coming through the age-group teams and going through the ranks, our playing career takes priority while matters such as education can take a bit of a back seat. However, that is important, and I am glad we are getting this opportunity now to complete this with the support of one of the best universities in the country. I am sure this initiative by Hockey India and Amity University will also tell younger athletes that you can balance it all out,' said Manpreet Singh. UNI BM
India Today
01-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Hockey coach Pratima Barwa, mentor to many international players, dies in Ranchi
Hockey coach Pratima Barwa, who groomed a number of international players, including Indian Women's Hockey Team captain Salima Tete, died at a Ranchi hospital on Sunday, officials not only mentored Tete but a number of international players from Jharkhand including Beauty Dungdung and Sangita passed away at a private hospital in Ranchi where she had been admitted following a paralytic attack and was on ventilator support at the time of her Expressing deep sorrow over her demise, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren posted on X, "The untimely demise of Hockey coach Pratima Barwa ji, who nurtured several talented international players from Jharkhand and the country, is extremely saddening. She was a role model for the hardworking daughters of Jharkhand. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only for the state but also for Indian hockey.""May Marang Buru (the supreme tribal deity) grant peace to her soul and give strength to the bereaved family," he India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh also mourned her loss, stating, "This is not just the passing of a coach, but the end of an era in Jharkhand's hockey legacy. Her contribution to the game, especially through players like Salima Tete and many others, is immeasurable."advertisementEchoing similar sentiments, Hockey Jharkhand general secretary Vijay Shankar Singh said, "The players mentored by Pratima Barwa have brought immense pride to the nation. Her contribution to the sport in Jharkhand was truly transformative."Barwa served as the head coach at the residential hockey training centre in Khunti and worked extensively in Simdega, playing a critical role in establishing Jharkhand as a prominent centre for Indian hockey passing has sparked a wave of mourning across the sporting fraternity, both in Jharkhand and across India.
India Gazette
08-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
1998 Asian Games silver was turning point for Indian Women's Hockey: Pritam Siwach
New Delhi [India], May 8 (ANI): As Hockey India celebrates 100 years of the sport, former India Women's Hockey Team captain Pritam Siwach reflected on the remarkable journey of the Indian Women's Hockey Team and credited the 1998 Asian Games silver medal as a major turning point. 'We knew that for many of us, the 1998 Asian Games would be our last major event and that we would retire after that. We hadn't won a medal in 13 years and didn't want to retire without one. So, for two years leading up to the Asian Games, we focused on every little detail to ensure we returned with a medal,' Pritam recalled as quoted by Hockey India (HI) official website. She went on to say, 'As soon as we won that silver, we knew it was the turning point for women's hockey in India. The graph has only gone upward since then.' Pritam added that the team's hard work for the 1998 Asian Games paid off and laid the foundation for future successes, including the silver medal at the 1999 Asia Cup and the historic gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She also credited Hockey India and the government for ushering in a new era for women's hockey. 'A lot has changed for the players since my time in the Indian team. Today, the women's team has access to improved facilities and a strong support system that we didn't have back then. The players today are extremely talented and benefit from grassroots development programs, sports science, more coaching staff, trainers, and even psychologists--resources that were unavailable in our playing days,' Pritam Siwach noted. When asked about passing the torch to the next generation and paving the path for the next 100 years of Indian hockey, Pritam said, 'I consider myself very lucky that my children are also playing hockey. Very few parents who have played at a certain level get the opportunity to contribute to shaping the next generation.' Pritam believed the Indian Women's Hockey Team has a very bright future and, with the right focus and support, can achieve Olympic success. 'If our men's team can win an Olympic medal, so can our women's team. Our next major goal should be to win gold at the Asian Games to secure qualification for the Olympic Games. With the strong grassroots talent we have and the ongoing work at the state and SAI NCOE level, I am confident we can achieve this,' she added. Through her academy, Pritam has been actively empowering the next generation of hockey players. Over the years, she has nurtured and trained several Indian national players, including Olympians Neha and Nisha, and promising junior talents such as Jyoti, Sakshi Rana, and her daughter Kanika Siwach. (ANI)
