As preparations intensify for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team including Sakshi Rana has entered a crucial phase of training at the national camp in Bengaluru.
With just weeks remaining before the qualifiers begin in Hyderabad, the emphasis within the camp has been on refining individual skills, improving tactical understanding, and building physical resilience to meet the demands of international competition.
Among the younger players making the most of this environment is 18-year-old forward Sakshi Rana, who continues to integrate into the senior setup after making her international debut last year. Having scored on debut against Spain, Sakshi has been part of the ongoing camp under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne and Scientific Advisor Wayne Lombard, focusing on adapting her natural attacking instincts to the structured demands of elite-level hockey.
Speaking about the training environment within the camp, Sakshi highlighted the systematic approach taken by the support staff in addressing individual areas of improvement.
“Whatever things we are lacking in, they are making us work on that day by day,” she said. “Wayne sir is doing a great job focusing on how much strength and fitness is needed, and teaching us the importance of recovery. As for the structure, they are explaining everything slowly and clearly. The senior players are also constantly pushing us juniors to give our absolute best.”
Early in her development pathway, Sakshi operated primarily in midfield, where her natural speed and attacking instincts were nurtured at the Pritam Siwach Academy in Sonipat under coach Kuldeep. Transitioning into the senior setup, however, has required a shift in focus from instinctive play to greater tactical awareness particularly in understanding space, decision-making under pressure, and communication within the team structure.
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“In our one-on-one meetings, the coach told me to keep doing what I am doing, but highlighted the need to improve my pre-scanning and on-field communication since I play in the center,” she explained. “In team meetings, we are focusing heavily on structure — how to hold the ball and knowing when to pass instead of dodging, because at the international level, the pressure comes very quickly.”
Exposure to high-performance competition has also played a role in her development. Sakshi recently featured in the Hero Hockey India League, where she competed alongside and against established international players. The experience, she noted, has contributed positively to her confidence levels, particularly in aspects of communication and situational awareness on the field.
“After playing in the Hero HIL, a lot of confidence came in terms of communication,” she said. “Watching foreign players like Yibbi Jansen play in the center also taught me a lot about how to approach the game.”
While the camp continues to prioritise day-to-day improvements, the larger objective remains preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from March 8 to March 14, 2026. India are set to begin their campaign against Uruguay on March 8, followed by fixtures against Scotland on March 9 and Wales on March 11.
For Sakshi, the immediate goal is to remain focused on learning and executing the coaching staff’s plans during training sessions, ensuring that she is ready to contribute if selected for the tournament squad.
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“Every day I step out thinking that I have to give my best,” she said. “If I go for the qualifying round, then I just have to come back winning. Right now, we just have to work hard every single day and execute whatever the coach has planned for us.”
As the national camp progresses into its final phase before the qualifiers, players like Sakshi Rana continue to focus on building consistency balancing individual development with the tactical cohesion required at the international level.
