New Delhi,JUL 24
Young goalkeeper Samiksha Saxena is currently part of the 40-member core probables group for the ongoing Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru, as the Indian team prepares for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2025.The 22-year-old earned her call-up to the camp after strong performances in the Senior Women National Championships for Assam Hockey earlier this year, as per a Hockey India press release. She is now focused on taking the next big step in her career.Talking about her experience in the national camp so far, she said, “It is going very well. The environment and the coaches’ behaviour are excellent, and I have improved a lot in a short time. I have never experienced anything like this before.””I used to watch the senior players on TV and get inspired by them, but now training with them has been a wonderful experience. Currently, I am working on my movements and reflexes. I am also training to be more decisive in goal, as I carry a huge responsibility for my team,” she added.Samiksha now has the opportunity to train under veteran Indian goalkeeper Savita, who has been a major inspiration for her over the years. Speaking about her interactions with Savita, Samiksha said, “I am very comfortable with her. If I have a question or a doubt, I go to her, and even when she notices something off during practice, she corrects me and teaches me every little thing.”This is also the first time Samiksha is working under Indian Women’s Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh. “He (Harendra Singh) is very fun to work with and explains everything very well. He repeats his instructions in both English and Hindi to ensure we understand clearly. I am excited to continue developing my game under his guidance,” she said. Samiksha hails from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and grew up with her grandmother, parents, two sisters, and a younger brother. Her father is a social worker, while her mother used to work at an Anganwadi (rural child-care centre).
