Mumbai: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Adrian D’Souza, the former Indian hockey goalkeeper, to recognize what he had been lacking for several years—a return to the sport he cherished. Consequently, he started creating videos on Instagram Live and Facebook to analyze the intricacies of goalkeeping.

“From that point to where I am now, I feel fortunate,” he remarked.

By "where I am now," he refers to his position as the goalkeeping coach for the senior national women’s team. D’Souza's first tournament in this capacity was India’s triumphant campaign at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) held in Rajgir, Bihar, in November. The 2004 Athens Olympian expressed immense satisfaction with this beginning, especially as India conceded only two goals throughout seven matches.

Based in Mumbai, D’Souza had a glimpse into women’s hockey in India last year when he commenced his coaching career with the Indian sub-junior boys and girls. Transitioning to the senior team this year, with an emphasis on goalkeeping and defensive strategies under the guidance of women’s head coach Harendra Singh, represented a significant “stepping stone.”

“The primary challenge was the realization that I was not only joining the national team but specifically the women’s team. Throughout my career, I have predominantly worked with men’s teams, but witnessing the potential of women’s hockey in India was remarkable in Rajgir,” D’Souza stated. “For me, it was also a substantial learning experience. I had to consider the needs of four goalkeepers, but that is where I can leverage my experience.”

A contemporary of India's retired star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is four years his junior and a double Olympic medallist, D’Souza recognizes the importance of healthy competition and strong camaraderie among goalkeepers within the national team. Savita Punia, a highly experienced goalkeeper and former captain, has been the undisputed leader in the women's team for several years, while Bichu Devi Kharibam has served as her backup.

D’Souza explained that it was a deliberate choice to rotate the two goalkeepers during the ACT, a practice that the men's team has been implementing regularly. In certain training sessions, D’Souza involved all four goalkeepers in the core group—Madhuri Kindo and Bansari Solanki included—allowing each to play a quarter.

“This rotation has been in place since I joined the team. It is not something that can be changed overnight, but we are considering it with a long-term perspective towards the World Cup in two years. We must prepare for the possibility of the main goalkeeper being injured and the backup not being ready for a major tournament. Therefore, it was a strategic decision to ensure both goalkeepers were prepared to perform. A strong bond among goalkeepers encourages each individual to improve daily, similar to my experience with Sree (Sreejesh),” D’Souza remarked.

He also noted the positive relationship between Savita, aged 34, and Bichu, aged 24. “The competition between Savita and Bichu is quite constructive. Each possesses unique strengths. Savita brings invaluable experience and is adept at managing the defence. She is diligently working on her fitness to maintain agility. Meanwhile, Bichu is making the most of her limited opportunities, which ultimately benefits the Indian team. In modern hockey, it is essential to provide equal chances to both goalkeepers. We cannot rely solely on Savita while others are still developing.”

D’Souza noted that Madhuri and Bansari are making strides within an expanding pool of female goalkeepers. The goalkeepers program initiated by Hockey India, through which D’Souza conducted brief clinics at various SAI centres and academies nationwide, has enabled him to identify a significant number of emerging goalkeepers. He attributes this development to one individual. “Sree has introduced a fresh perspective to goalkeeping, inspiring individuals to pursue this position because Sree himself was a goalkeeper. As a former goalkeeper, it is gratifying to witness this change.”

The inauguration of the women’s Hockey India League, which commenced in Ranchi on Sunday with four teams, is expected to enhance the talent pool of goalkeepers further. “The impact following the launch of the men’s HIL was evident. I was involved with the franchise when Harman (Harmanpreet Singh) joined us,” D’Souza remarked. “The opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best and to learn from them is unparalleled. I am confident that the women will greatly benefit from this experience.”

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