Caroline Busch, wife of late Dutch goalkeeping coach Simon Zijp, met Indian goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi ahead of their World Cup match against Australia to share gifts, blessings, and emotional memories.
Ahead of India's crucial World Cup match against Australia on Sunday, a poignant moment unfolded by the advertising boards during a training session. Caroline Busch, wife of the late Dutch goalkeeping coach Simon Zijp, approached Indian goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi to reconnect.
Zijp, a renowned goalkeeping coach in Dutch hockey, had been training Savita and Bichu since the start of last year. He was scheduled to return to India last November before his untimely death in October. Caroline traveled from The Hague to meet the players due to the strong bond they shared with her late husband.
During the meeting, Caroline handed the goalkeepers chocolates, small wooden shoes symbolizing the Netherlands' farming history, and a personal note. Wiping away tears, Caroline shared, "In the note, I wrote that Simon always talked very highly of them. I also wished them a lot of luck and success for the future."
Savita recalled how Zijp supported her through rehabilitation during an injury spell, encouraging her to write down her thoughts in a diary to stay motivated. She noted that the entire team was shocked by his passing, adding, "I also realised that we all developed so much attachment over such a short time so I wondered how tough it would be for the family."
The meeting was arranged by current goalkeeping coach Pirmin Blaak, a former Netherlands goalkeeper and long-time trainee of Zijp, who fulfilled his promise to connect them with Caroline. Expressing her gratitude, Savita stated, "She took time out to come meet us, despite it being a very tough time for her. She [Caroline] gave us good wishes and blessings, it will be a lifelong memory for us."
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.