New Delhi, Feb 28 – The Indian women's hockey team showcased a notable improvement in their performance during the home leg of the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar, thanks in part to an intensive week-long goalkeeping camp led by Simon Zijp of the Netherlands. Zijp, a former World Cup champion and a celebrated goalkeeping coach with multiple Olympic gold-winning Dutch teams, brought his expertise to refine the skills of India's top custodians.
The camp featured India's seasoned goalkeeper Savita Punia, rising star Bichu Devi Kharibam, and young talent Bansari Solanki. The sessions focused on technical refinement, game awareness, and mental conditioning, essential for excelling under high-pressure situations.
Strategic Focus on Goalkeeping Excellence
Indian women’s hockey chief coach Harendra Singh praised the impact of the camp, stating, "It was a fantastic experience for all three goalkeepers. They not only improved their basics but also developed a deeper understanding of the game. The emphasis was on how goalkeepers should think, react, and position themselves both when the ball is in the circle and when it's on the other side of the pitch."He also expressed optimism about building a long-term association with Zijp, acknowledging the Dutch coach's invaluable contribution.
Savita Punia Highlights Key Improvements
Veteran goalkeeper and former India captain Savita Punia credited the camp for fine-tuning their skills before the Pro League matches."Training under an experienced coach like Simon allowed us to make small but effective technical adjustments that can make a big difference in high-pressure situations," she said in a statement released by Hockey India.
According to Savita, the camp placed special emphasis on refining positioning, footwork, and stick control—crucial aspects for quick reflex saves. Another major focus was on reading a striker’s movements and improving stick positioning to effectively cover angles.
"Additionally, we worked on staying composed under pressure, particularly during penalty situations, which are often game-changing moments," she added.
Impact on Pro League Performance
The Indian women’s team played eight matches in the home leg of the FIH Pro League within a demanding schedule of just 10 days. Despite facing tough competition, India secured three wins, including a thrilling shootout victory against reigning champions Netherlands. The team, however, suffered five losses, including one in a shootout.Savita emphasized that the camp played a crucial role in strengthening their mental resilience. "With eight matches in 11 days, mental conditioning was as important as physical preparation. The techniques we worked on helped us stay focused and make the right decisions even when fatigue set in," she explained.
India’s Standings in the FIH Pro League
Following their home leg performances, India currently sits at the sixth position in the FIH Pro League standings with nine points from eight matches. While there is still room for improvement, the specialized training under Zijp has given the Indian goalkeepers a strategic edge, setting the stage for better performances in upcoming fixtures.The Indian team hopes to build on these learnings as they prepare for the next phase of the league, aiming for a stronger finish on the global stage.
Last updated by a enewsx:
