Bengaluru, February 23, 2026: As the Indian women’s hockey team continues its rigorous training at the national camp in Bengaluru, the focus remains firmly on improving skills and tactical discipline. Under the guidance of head coach Sjoerd Marijne and scientific advisor Wayne Lombard, 18-year-old midfielder Sakshi Rana is taking this opportunity to sharpen her game and learn from her experienced teammates.
For Sakshi, who made a memorable senior debut last year by scoring a goal against Spain, the camp is an invaluable environment for daily growth and physical conditioning.
“Whatever things we miss, they make us work on them day in and day out,” Sakshi said of the productive atmosphere in the camp. “Wayne sir does a great job of focusing on the amount of strength and fitness required, and teaching us the importance of recovery. As for the structure, they explain everything slowly and clearly. The senior players also constantly push us juniors to give our very best.”
Playing in midfield early in her career, Sakshi’s naturally fast, attacking playing style was initially developed at the Pritam Siwach Academy in Sonipat under coach Kuldeep. Now, in the senior set-up, the coaching staff is helping her balance that natural speed with tactical awareness.
“During our one-on-one conversations, the coach told me to keep doing what I was doing but emphasized the need to improve my pre-scanning and communication on the field as I play in the centre,” Sakshi explained. “During team meetings we focus heavily on structure: how to hold the ball and knowing when to pass rather than dodge, because at international level the pressure comes very quickly.”
Her preparation has also benefited immensely from her recent stint in the Hero Hockey India League. Competing against top international talent gave her crucial exposure and a better understanding of high-level competition preparation.
“After playing in the Hero HIL, a lot of confidence came in terms of communication,” she noted. “Seeing foreign players like Yibbi Jansen play in the center has also taught me a lot about how to approach the game.”
While her immediate focus is on absorbing everything she can in the camp, the team is simultaneously building towards the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana, scheduled from March 8 to 14. Inspired by senior teammates like Neha Goyal, Sakshi just keeps her head down and works hard so that she is ready when the opportunity arises.
“Every day I step out thinking I have to give my best,” Sakshi said of her mentality. “If I go for the qualifying round, I just have to come back as a winner. Right now we just have to work hard every day and execute what the coach has planned for us.”
India’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Hyderabad, Telangana, start on March 8 against Uruguay, followed by a match with Scotland on March 9, and conclude with their final match against Wales on March 11.