Young Midfielder Sakshi Rana Sharpens Skills at National Camp as Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up for World Cup Qualifiers

Bengaluru, Feb 2026 : Indian women’s hockey team midfielder Sakshi Rana is making the most of the ongoing national camp in Bengaluru, using the intensive training environment to enhance her technical skills, physical fitness, and tactical understanding of the game. Working under the guidance of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne and scientific advisor Wayne Lombard, the young midfielder described the camp as a vital platform for daily learning and holistic development.

According to an official release, the 18-year-old, who made a memorable senior team debut last year by scoring against Spain, said the structured training sessions have helped her gain greater clarity about the demands of international hockey. She highlighted that the camp environment encourages constant self-improvement, both on and off the field.

Speaking about the positive atmosphere, Sakshi said the coaching staff consistently motivates players to work on their shortcomings. “They push us every day to improve in areas where we are lacking. Wayne sir is doing excellent work—he is helping us understand the importance of strength, physical fitness, and also recovery. Everything is explained gradually and very clearly. Senior players, too, keep encouraging us juniors to give our best,” she said.

Sakshi’s natural pace and aggressive playing style were shaped during her early years at the Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy in Sonipat, where she trained under coach Kuldeep. While her instinctive approach brought success at the junior level, the transition to senior international hockey has required a more balanced game. At the national camp, the coaching staff is helping her blend her natural speed with improved decision-making and tactical awareness.

Reflecting on individual feedback sessions, Sakshi explained that coaches have encouraged her to maintain her strengths while refining key aspects of her play. “In our one-on-one meetings, the coach told me to keep doing what I am good at, but also stressed that I need to improve my pre-scanning and on-field communication because I play in the centre. In team meetings, we focus a lot on structure—how to retain possession, when to pass instead of dribbling—because at the international level, pressure comes very quickly,” she said.

Her recent participation in the Hero Hockey India League has further boosted her confidence and preparedness. Competing alongside and against top international players gave Sakshi valuable exposure and insight into the intensity of elite-level hockey. She believes the experience has significantly improved her communication skills and understanding of positional play.

“After playing in the Hero HIL, I feel much more confident, especially in communication. Watching foreign players like Yibbi Jansen play in central positions taught me a lot about reading the game and making smarter decisions under pressure,” Sakshi noted, underlining how league exposure complements national team training.

While Sakshi remains focused on absorbing as much knowledge as possible during the camp, the Indian women’s team is simultaneously preparing for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 8 to 14. Drawing inspiration from experienced teammates such as Neha Goyal, Sakshi is determined to be fully prepared if given an opportunity on the big stage.

Sharing her mindset, she said, “Every day I leave the field thinking that I must give my best. If I get the chance to play in the qualifying rounds, my aim will be to come back only after winning. For now, we have to work hard every day and execute whatever plan the coaches have prepared for us.”

India’s campaign in the World Cup qualifiers will begin on March 8 against Uruguay, followed by a clash with Scotland on March 9. The team will conclude the group stage with a match against Wales on March 11. With a blend of youthful enthusiasm and experienced leadership, the Indian women’s hockey team hopes to put in a strong showing and move one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup.

For Sakshi Rana, the journey is as much about growth as it is about results. As she continues to learn, adapt, and push her limits at the national camp, she represents the promise of a new generation eager to carry Indian women’s hockey to greater heights on the global stage.