Anandana-backed players drive India to semis

Five specialized camp trainees, supported by Anandana - The Coca-Cola India Foundation, have guided the Indian Women’s Hockey Team to an unbeaten semifinal berth at the FIH Nations Cup in New Zealand, moving closer to Pro League qualification

Hyderabad: Five athletes who participated in specialised camps supported by Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation for the Indian Women’s Hockey Teams have delivered strong performances at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025–26, currently taking place in Auckland, New Zealand.

India has advanced to the semi-finals after an unbeaten run in the pool stage, registering victories over the USA, Japan and Uruguay to top Pool A and move a step closer to qualification for the FIH Pro League.

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Drag-flicker Deepika from Hisar, Haryana, made an immediate impact by scoring two goals for India in the opening match against the USA through penalty corners. She also scored two goals against Uruguay as India defeated them 3–2 to top Pool A. With four goals under her belt, Deepika is also the joint top goalscorer of the tournament.

Goalkeepers Savita from Sirsa, Haryana, and Bichu Devi Kharibam from Thoubal, Manipur, have been commanding between the posts. Defender Lalthantluangi from Thenzawl, Mizoram, and forward Annu from Jind, Haryana, have also been integral members of the squad, contributing to India’s campaign.

Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation has been supporting specialised training camps for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as part of its commitment to women’s sport in India.

These include an 11-day specialised goalkeeping camp held at SAI Bengaluru, conducted by renowned goalkeeping coach David Williamson under the supervision of Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne, focusing on technical skills, game awareness and decision-making.

Anandana also supported a specialised drag-flicking and penalty corner camp led by former international drag-flicking specialist Taeke Taekema, held during the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s tour of Australia and New Zealand, focusing on penalty corner execution and team preparation.

“The specialised camp gave us an opportunity to work closely with experienced coaches and focus on aspects of our game that require dedicated attention. The guidance and feedback received was invaluable. I am grateful to Hockey India and Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation for creating and supporting opportunities like these, which help us continue learning, growing and performing at a higher level,” said Deepika.

Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India, said, “It is wonderful to see these athletes performing so well at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup. Savita and Bichu have been exceptional in goal; Deepika’s penalty corner strikes against the USA were outstanding. We are proud of what they are achieving. We also thank Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation for their continued support in providing quality training environments for our women’s teams. Such partnerships go a long way in strengthening the overall ecosystem for women’s hockey in India.”

Devyani Rana, Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia, said, “Every athlete’s journey is shaped by the opportunities and support they receive along the way. It is inspiring to see Savita, Deepika, Bichu, Lalthantluangi and Annu representing India at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup. Their progress underscores the importance of creating pathways that help young athletes develop their potential and pursue their sporting ambitions. We wish them continued success in the tournament.”

Aligned with Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference initiative, the partnership between Hockey India and Anandana focuses on providing women athletes with opportunities for specialised training, competitive exposure and continued development.