Junior academy nationals

Khelo India University Games: Young goalkeeper Samiksha Saxena is dreaming big, hoping to cement a permanent spot in the Indian senior women's hockey team and win titles and medals. She is basing her dreams on the guidance provided by veteran goalkeeper and former India captain Savita Punia and coach Harendra Singh.

Samiksha is currently part of the 40-member core probables group that has gathered for the ongoing Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru, preparing 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's National Championships for Assam earlier this year. 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's 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.”