_~ Sakshi Rana scored an incredible field goal against Spain on her
senior debut~_
At just 17, Sakshi Rana made headway into the
Indian squad and showed incredible potential at the FIH Hockey Pro
League 2024/25, her debut senior international tournament in Indian
colours, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
She was handed her debut during India’s first match against Spain and
despite their unfortunate 3-4 loss, it was a day to remember for Sakshi
as she scored an incredible field goal on her debut. She then featured
against Spain again and Germany respectively.
“I was waiting for the day of my debut for a long time so I was
really happy about it. I wasn’t nervous as such before the match
because the seniors supported me and told me that there are no mistakes
in your first game, hence, I could play freely,” Sakshi shared about
her debut experience.
Sakshi’s goal was a brilliant individual effort. She pressed
effectively and timed her tackle perfectly to win the ball in a
dangerous area, after which she took a touch and fired a backhand shot
from inside the circle to score her first goal. While talking through
the moment, Sakshi explained, “My target was to score on my debut so I
was very determined. When I made the effort and snatched the ball, I saw
no one was around me and just took the shot. Everyone started shouting
and I realised that I had scored a goal. I was extremely happy.”
When the squad was released, Sakshi was initially named in the standbys
but Chief Coach Harendra Singh recognised her hard work and potential
and included her in the squad against Spain. “When he (Harendra Singh)
told me I am playing, he said he is not selecting me, but my game. He
told me I would get a chance to score and that the senior players would
help me on the field. He even hugged me after my goal, which was a
special moment for me,” she stated.
Despite her strong performances, Sakshi feels she needs to work on her
speed in training. “As I have played against foreign players in the
Hockey India League and Pro League recently, I have realised it is all
about speed now. I have to be quick on the field, especially since I am
a forward, so I will be working on that now.”
Sakshi was an integral part of the Indian Junior Women’s Team that
clinched Gold at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup last year. Now, she is
determined to carry that momentum forward and help India secure the
Junior World Cup title in Chile later this year. “My focus is entirely
on the Junior World Cup, and I’m training hard for it. With consistent
practice and dedication, I believe I can contribute to India winning
another medal,” she concluded.
