Special Goalkeeping Camp for Indian Women's Hockey Team Begins in Bengaluru

A special goalkeeping camp for the Indian Women's Hockey Team is underway in Bengaluru from April 22 to May 2. The camp is conducted by Northern Ireland coach David Williamson and overseen by Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. Goalkeepers Savita, Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Madhuri Kindo are participating, alongside junior team players. The camp is supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, which aims to strengthen women's hockey development.

Key Points: Indian Women's Hockey Goalkeeping Camp with David Williamson

  • Special goalkeeping camp for Indian Women's Hockey Team runs April 22 to May 2 in Bengaluru
  • Camp conducted by David Williamson, overseen by Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne
  • Savita, Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Madhuri Kindo participate
  • Supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation
  • Junior team goalkeepers train alongside seniors for development
3 min read

Veteran hockey coach conducting special goalkeeping camp for Indian women's team

Hockey India holds special goalkeeping camp for women's team in Bengaluru with coach David Williamson and Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. Supported by Anandana.

"It is always encouraging for us as players to see this kind of support coming into women's hockey. - Savita"

Bengaluru, April 24

Hockey India on Friday announced that a special goalkeeping camp for the Indian Women's Hockey Team is currently being held from April 22 to May 2 at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru. The camp is conducted by David Williamson and overseen by the team's Chief Coach, Sjoerd Marijne.

Savita, Bansari Solanki, Bichu Devi Kharibam and Madhuri Kindo are part of this special camp, which aims to further strengthen India's goalkeeping unit ahead of a crucial international calendar, as per a press release from Hockey India.

The camp is supported by Anandana, the Coca-Cola India Foundation, as they continue to contribute toward the development of women's hockey in India. They also supported the recently concluded 16th Hockey India Sub Junior Women's National Championship 2026.

David Williamson is a highly experienced hockey coach from Northern Ireland who has been part of the US Women's National Team coaching staff for a significant period. He also served as an assistant coach for Odisha Warriors in the Women's Hero Hockey India League (HIL) in 2025, bringing extensive international experience in goalkeeping development.

Sjoerd Marijne, Chief Coach of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, 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."

"We also have goalkeepers from the junior team train alongside the senior players. This exposure will be extremely valuable for their development and help prepare them for the transition to the senior level in the near future," he added.

Veteran Indian goalkeeper Savita stated, "It is always encouraging for us as players to see this kind of support coming into women's hockey. It is also a great opportunity for younger athletes coming through the system. When young girls see the kind of backing hockey is getting today, it gives them confidence and belief that they can go far. Support like this from Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, will definitely play an important role in growing women's hockey in the country."

Devyani Rana, Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia stated, "Our partnership with Hockey India is rooted in a shared belief that investing in women's sport creates change that endures. When junior players train alongside seniors in a conducive environment, the impact reshapes their understanding of greater possibilities. Through Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we are committed to being a meaningful part of that transformation for Indian women's hockey at the grassroots"

- ANI

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram Mehta
Good to see foreign coaches being brought in for specialized camps. David Williamson has solid experience with US women's team and Odisha Warriors. But I hope this isn't just a one-off—we need sustained investment in goalkeeping. Our defence has been shaky in big matches.
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Anushka Emmanuel
So happy to see Bichu Devi and Madhuri Kindo getting this exposure. They are the future! And junior goalkeepers training alongside seniors? That's exactly what we need to build depth. Well done, Hockey India management. 👏
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Rajesh Kumar
Nothing against the camp, but why is Coca-Cola involved? They're a sugary drinks company—hardly a role model for athletes' health. The government should fund these camps directly rather than relying on corporate sponsorships. Just my two rupees.
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Priya Srinivasan
This is fantastic news! Our women's hockey team has been doing so well recently. A dedicated goalkeeping camp with an international coach like Williamson is exactly what we need before the Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Savita is such an inspiration—she keeps improving even at this stage of her career! 🌟
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Arun Ramaswamy
Excellent move by Hockey India. The Argentina tour showed our goalkeepers are capable, but need more consistency. Having both seniors and juniors train together will create a healthy pipeline. Also great to see corporate support for women's sports—keeps the game growing.

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