Ahmedabad: With the start of the second season of the Hockey India League (HIL) upon us, rising star goalkeeper Bansari Solanki is all set for an exciting campaign with SG Pipers. The 23-year-old from Surat who is steadily making her mark in Indian hockey, is keen to learn and grow under the SG Pipers Head Coach Sofie Gierts and Assistant Coach Helen Mary, a former member of the India national team whom she admires.
Born in Surat with no family background in sports, Bansari’s first memory of picking up a hockey stick was in Class 7. Starting her initial days as a defender, she seamlessly transitioned into the goalkeeping role. A role she instantly connected with and continues to pursue passionately. She represents the Income Tax department and has also represented Uttar Pradesh in national competitions and is currently employed with the Income Tax department.
Bansari made her first major international appearance against China in the FIH Pro League 2025, a moment she considers important and significant in her career growth. While she is yet to play at the Olympic Games, her ambition is clear, “I want to represent India at the Olympics and aim for a podium finish.”
Reflecting on her journey, she says Indian hockey culture has shaped her in more ways than one, instilling competitiveness, a fiery fighting spirit, and the discipline to work harder towards her ultimate goals. As she prepares to represent SG Pipers in the HIL, Bansari is excited about sharing the field with players from different countries. “The benefits are huge. We work together, learn about each other’s hockey cultures and styles, and help lift the sport nationally and globally.”
Away from the turf, Bansari enjoys painting, reading, and listening to music. Her all-time favourite song is Saiyaan by Kailash Kher. She practises breathing exercises and meditation as part of her daily routine. She draws inspiration from athletes such as Novak Djokovic for his resilience and never-give-up attitude, and the late Kobe Bryant for his iconic Mamba Mentality. Financial independence, she says, has played an important role in her life, “Being the eldest daughter, I can support my siblings in their careers and share my family’s responsibilities.”
