Bengaluru, April 24: A focused goalkeeping training camp for the Indian women's hockey team is underway at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Bengaluru, from April 22 to May 2, 2025. The camp is being conducted by David Williamson, a seasoned international hockey coach from Northern Ireland, under the supervision of Sjoerd Marijne, Chief Coach of the Indian women's hockey team. Hockey India officially announced the camp on Friday, April 24, as part of its structured preparation for a demanding international calendar starting in June.

Goalkeepers in Camp and Training Objectives

Four goalkeepers have been selected for this intensive programme: veteran shot-stopper Savita, along with Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Madhuri Kindo. The camp is designed to sharpen technical skills, positional awareness, and match-readiness for all four custodians.

Notably, goalkeepers from the Indian junior women's hockey team are also training alongside the senior players. This cross-level exposure is a deliberate strategic decision to accelerate the development pipeline and ease the transition of young talent into senior-level competition.

Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne stated, The goalkeepers did really well during the recent Argentina tour, showing strong performances against quality opposition. With crucial tournaments coming up from June onwards, this is a great time to have a focused training camp like this. He further added that the inclusion of junior goalkeepers would be extremely valuable for their development and help prepare them for the transition to the senior level in the near future.

Who Is David Williamson

David Williamson is a highly credentialed hockey coach with deep international experience in goalkeeping development. Hailing from Northern Ireland, he served as a key member of the US women's national hockey team coaching staff for an extended period, contributing to their international competitiveness at the highest level.

In 2025, Williamson also served as an assistant coach for Odisha Warriors in the Women's Hockey India League (HIL), giving him direct familiarity with the Indian hockey ecosystem and its players. His appointment for this camp signals Hockey India's intent to bring world-class technical expertise to the goalkeeping department at a critical juncture.

Anandana Coca-Cola India Foundation Support

The camp is financially backed by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, which has been steadily increasing its investment in women's hockey development across India. The foundation also supported the recently concluded 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women's National Championship 2026, reflecting a sustained, multi-level commitment to the sport.

Devyani Rana, Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said that the partnership with Hockey India is rooted in a shared belief that investing in women's sport creates change that endures. She added that through Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, they are committed to being a meaningful part of that transformation for Indian women's hockey at the grassroots.

Savita on the Significance of Corporate Support

Veteran goalkeeper Savita welcomed the initiative, emphasising its broader cultural impact on young aspiring players. She noted that it is always encouraging to see this kind of support coming into women's hockey and that when young girls see the backing hockey is getting today, it gives them confidence and belief that they can go far.

Her words carry weight as Savita has been the backbone of India's goalkeeping unit for over a decade. Her presence in this camp alongside emerging names like Bansari Solanki and Bichu Devi Kharibam also serves as a mentorship opportunity for the next generation.

Strategic Context and What Comes Next

This camp comes at a pivotal moment for Indian women's hockey. The team delivered an encouraging performance during their recent tour of Argentina, and with major international assignments lined up from June 2025 onwards, strengthening the last line of defence is a tactical priority for the coaching staff.

The integration of junior goalkeepers into senior training environments reflects a broader philosophy shift within Hockey India, one that prioritises continuity and long-term planning over short-term fixes. This model, if sustained, could significantly reduce the talent gap that historically emerges when senior players retire.

The Bengaluru SAI Centre camp running through May 2 is expected to be followed by further team-level training blocks as India gears up for its international commitments from June 2025 onwards.