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HT Youth Forum 2017: Savita Punia among Top 30 Under 30
In the run-up to its sixth edition of Top 30 under 30, Hindustan Times profiles 30 young achievers who will be felicitated at its flagship event on May 26. They are from fields ranging from the forces, academics and art to entertainment and sports. Among them is Savita Punia.
The Saviour: Savita Punia, 26, Sirsa
The graceful Savita Punia is one of the best women goalkeepers in the field of hockey in India. This year, she was declared the Best Goalkeeper in World League Round 2; last year she was feted as the Goalkeeper of the Year by Hockey India, and in 2013, she was named the Best Goalkeeper in Asia Cup.
Secret sauce: Savita says her sharp focus is her strongest virtue. “I remain calm and focused no matter how big the challenge.”
Inspiration: Nicolas Jacobi, the towering German goalkeeper who currently guards the nets for Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League.
Challenges facing India: Women empowerment, quality education and crime.
Uplifting feature: Savita says the one thing that she finds most uplifting about India is its participation in various sports.
The road ahead: Savita is gearing up for Asian Games 2018 and Commonwealth Games 2018.
As an agent of change: “I will bring about change in our system by educating youngsters to whatever level they wish.”
By the way: When not being the rock of the Indian women’s hockey, Savita enjoying turning pages and watching TV.
