Is Bansari Solanki Ready to Seize Her Moment as India’s Women’s Hockey Reserve Goalkeeper?

New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) For Bansari Solanki, serving as a reserve goalkeeper for the Indian women’s hockey team represents more than uncertainty—it embodies patience, preparation, and pride. The 24-year-old from Surat, Gujarat has been training with the senior national camp for the last two years and has recently been appointed as a reserve goalkeeper for India's squad set to participate in the upcoming European leg of the FIH Pro League 2024–25.

Bansari is diligently honing her skills, staying mentally focused, and anticipating the moment when she gets her chance. "I treat every training session as if it’s my debut,” Bansari shared. “It may not happen today or tomorrow, but when the moment arrives, I’ll be prepared—not just to play, but to excel."

Her journey from a schoolgirl who discovered goalkeeping in the 8th grade to a promising talent in Indian hockey exemplifies resilience and determination. Initially aspiring to be an aeronautical engineer, Bansari’s hockey career took off when her school's sports teacher sought a goalkeeper for the under-14 team, where her height and physique made her the ideal candidate.

“Becoming a goalkeeper was never my intention,” she reminisced. “That one decision, however, altered my life forever.”

Growing up in Gujarat, a state lacking a strong hockey tradition, opportunities were limited until hockey legend and Padma Shri awardee Dhanraj Pillay took on the role of Technical Director and High Performance Director for the Sports Authority of Gujarat. “If I’m here today, it’s largely due to Dhanraj, sir,” she reflected. “He provided me with my first genuine platform, and that’s when my love for the game truly blossomed.”

Her standout performance at the Sub-Junior Nationals led to her selection for the prestigious National Hockey Academy in Delhi. “It was surreal,” she recalled. “I transitioned from playing in local kits to wearing top-notch goalkeeper gear and sharing living quarters with the nation’s elite young talents.”

At just 17, Bansari left her family and familiar surroundings to chase her dream in Delhi, also completing her 12th grade through the National Institute of Open Schooling. Her training at NHA under renowned goalkeeping coach Romeo James was instrumental in establishing a solid technical foundation, and she attributes her development as a national-caliber goalkeeper to his guidance.

“I must acknowledge Romeo James, sir—he was our goalkeeping coach at the National Hockey Academy,” Bansari stated. “His constant goalkeeping sessions were crucial in my evolution as a goalkeeper.”

Bansari’s family, including her father, an engineer; her homemaker mother; a younger sister; and a younger brother, have steadfastly supported her aspirations, often making silent sacrifices. “My parents never refused any request, even when it strained our household budget,” she reminisced. “I remember needing a new pair of kickers costing around Rs 20,000. Without a second thought, my father said, ‘Go ahead and buy them.’ At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of that support. Now, it means everything to me.”

Throughout the years, Bansari has captained teams in the Khelo India League and represented Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, SAI, and Union Bank in national competitions. She was part of the Indian team that clinched Gold at the 2023 Hockey 5s Asia Cup in Oman, where she earned the title of Best Rising Goalkeeper, followed by a silver finish at the Hockey 5s World Cup in 2024.

Despite these accomplishments, she patiently awaits her senior team debut. “It’s challenging,” she admits. “You travel and train, yet sometimes you don’t get to step on the field. However, I’ve learned that goalkeeping is a journey of patience. Every goalkeeper encounters struggles, and that knowledge empowers me.”

She credited icons of the sport like Savita and PR Sreejesh for their invaluable mentorship. “Savita Di is not only an exceptional goalkeeper; she’s also a remarkable individual. I seek her advice on everything—from technique to team guidance from the goal. Sree (Sreejesh) Bhai once shared invaluable insights on positioning and mindset. Observing and learning from them is an opportunity I deeply value.”

With two years in the national camp, Bansari has refined her technical capabilities and gained a profound understanding of her game. "Goalkeeping isn’t like mathematics,” she chuckled. “It’s not a formulaic discipline. Every moment is unpredictable. Yet, I’ve adapted and remain prepared.”

Her faith also serves as a source of strength. “In my toughest times, I turn to Lord Krishna. His teachings keep me grounded and remind me that every phase—whether good or bad—is part of a greater plan. I must continue doing my part. As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, Karm karo, phal ki chinta mat karo.

For Bansari, hockey transcends mere sport; it’s her life’s purpose. “I set aside my engineering dreams, but I hold no regrets. My ultimate aspiration is to win an Olympic medal for India. I’ll continue showing up every single day until that dream materializes.”