Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 28: Young Indian goalkeeper Bansari Solanki is emerging as one of the brightest talents to watch in the upcoming Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), starting Sunday. From playing in local kits in Surat to joining the senior national women’s team this year, Solanki’s journey has been shaped by some of the biggest names in Indian hockey.

Hailing from Gujarat, a state less known for hockey, Solanki stumbled into the sport in Class VIII. Initially a defender, she switched to goalkeeping when her school team lacked a keeper. Her talent soon caught the eye of hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay, leading her to train in Vadodara and later move to New Delhi at 17 under Olympian Romeo James at the National Hockey Academy.

In the 5s format, Solanki has already made her mark — winning gold at the 2023 Hockey5s Asia Cup, where she was named Best Rising Goalkeeper, and helping India secure silver at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman. She was also part of the women’s Asia Cup team in China this year, gaining valuable experience from senior teammates.

Retained by SG Pipers for the second season of Women’s HIL, Solanki will now get a chance to sharpen her skills in the professional format. Former India goalkeeper and SG Pipers assistant coach Helena Mary praised her potential: “We don’t have to do much with her. I can see her as the first team goalkeeper in two to three years.”

Pipers’ head coach Sofie Gierts also highlighted Solanki’s strengths, saying, “Her line work is impressive. She shows confidence, ambition, and is open to learning. Experience from hockey 5s has made her strong in one-on-one situations, and this campaign will help her adapt to handling set-pieces like penalty corners.”

From aspiring engineer to rising hockey star, Bansari Solanki’s determination and hunger for improvement make her one of Indian hockey’s most promising young goalkeepers.