FIH Pro League: Goalkeepers Savita, Bichu & Bansari Participate in Week-Long Training Camp with Simon Zijp

New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) As the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 came to a close, the Indian women’s team goalkeepers Savita Punia, Bichu Devi, and Bansari Solanki took part in a specialized training camp with former Netherlands player and 1990 World Cup gold medallist Simon Zijp in Bhubaneswar.

Simon has a rich history with the Netherlands men's and women's national teams, significantly contributing to their global achievements. His experience includes serving as goalkeeper coach during the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympics, where they clinched the gold medal.

Discussing the camp's importance, chief coach Harendra Singh stated, “This camp was outstanding for all three goalkeepers. They made substantial progress, not just in basic skills but also in the finer elements of goalkeeping. They concentrated on the goalkeeper's thought processes, understanding the mindset essential when the ball is in the circle and when it is further down the pitch. I am thankful to Simon for his commitment to this camp, and I hope this marks the beginning of a lasting relationship with Indian goalkeepers.”

In agreement, Savita remarked, “This camp presented a fantastic chance for us to sharpen our skills ahead of the Pro League. Training under a knowledgeable coach like Simon enabled us to implement small yet impactful technical adjustments that can be pivotal in high-pressure moments.”

Reflecting on the technical enhancements from the camp, Savita noted, “We placed significant emphasis on improving our positioning, footwork, and stick control, all of which are vital for executing quick reflex saves. There was also a strong focus on stick positioning, ensuring our hands are optimally placed to cover angles effectively. Furthermore, we practiced reading the striker's movements and responding appropriately, which will aid us in both open play and shootouts.”

She added, “Given our challenging schedule of eight matches within 11 days, mental conditioning is as crucial as physical training. We worked on methods to remain calm under pressure, particularly during penalty situations that can be decisive moments. Building mental toughness keeps us focused throughout the tournament, allowing us to make sound decisions even when fatigue sets in.”

On the significance of the camp for younger players like Bichu Devi and Bansari Solanki, Savita expressed, “For younger players, camps like this are priceless. They train in a highly competitive atmosphere and gain insights from seasoned teammates and coaches. When I began, we lacked this level of exposure early in our careers, but these players are fortunate to have such opportunities to hone their skills at a young age.”

At present, the Indian women's team ranks sixth in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 points table.