Sakshi Rana, born August 31, 2007, in Sonipat, Haryana, is a rising star in Indian women’s hockey. Known for her attacking prowess and composure, she has quickly made her mark as both a forward and midfielder for the national team, earning recognition for her performances at the junior and senior levels.
Early Life and Background
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Hometown: Sonipat, Haryana
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Training: Developed her hockey skills under the guidance of former India captain and coach Pritam Rani Siwach, a renowned mentor for young talent in Haryana.
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Domestic Representation: Plays for Hockey Haryana in national tournaments and featured for Vedanta Odisha Warriors in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (WHIL) 2025.
Career Highlights
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Junior International Career:
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Represented India at the 2023 Women’s FIH Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.
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Played in the 2023 Under-21 Four Nations Junior Women’s Invitational Tournament in Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Vice-captain of the Indian Junior Women’s team for the 2024 Europe tour.
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Part of the Indian squad that won gold at the 2024 Women’s Junior Asia Cup.
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Senior National Team:
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Made her senior India debut at age 17 in February 2025 during the FIH Pro League at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, against Spain.
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Scored her first senior international goal on debut, impressing coaches and fans with a smart interception and backhand finish.
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Featured against top teams like Spain and Germany in her debut tournament.
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Major Stats:
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As of early 2025: 3 senior international caps, 1 goal.
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Playing Profile
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Position: Forward / Midfielder
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Strengths:
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Quick decision-making and sharp finishing in the circle
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Versatility—able to play both forward and midfield roles
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High work rate and tactical awareness for her age
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Style:
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Aggressive, confident attacker who seizes on defensive errors
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Brings energy and freshness to the squad, often injecting pace and creativity
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Notable Facts
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Sakshi was initially named as a standby for the senior team but was promoted to the main squad by coach Harendra Singh due to her impressive form.
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Her debut goal in the FIH Pro League was the result of a well-timed tackle and a powerful backhand shot, earning praise from teammates and coaches.
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She is among the youngest players to debut for the Indian senior women’s team and is widely regarded as a future star.
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Her journey began on a grazing ground in Sonipat, transformed into a hockey nursery by her mentor Pritam Rani Siwach.
FAQs About Sakshi Rana
What position does Sakshi Rana play?
Forward and midfielder
Where is she from?
Sonipat, Haryana, India
How old is Sakshi Rana?
17 (born August 31, 2007; as of July 2025)
What are her major achievements?
Junior Asia Cup gold medalist (2024), senior India debut and goal in FIH Pro League (2025), vice-captain of junior team
What is her playing style?
Aggressive, fast, and technically skilled forward with sharp finishing and tactical maturity
Conclusion
Sakshi Rana’s rapid rise from Sonipat’s grassroots hockey scene to the Indian women’s national team highlights her exceptional talent, discipline, and determination. As a Junior Asia Cup gold medalist and a teenage debutant for the senior team, she represents the bright future of Indian women’s hockey.
