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From a shy girl to team mentor, Savita Punia says hockey changed her life
From a shy girl to team mentor, Savita Punia says hockey changed her life
Amstelveen, There was a time when Savita Punia needed her mother to stand at the doorstep whenever she would step out of the house, too hesitant to speak to seniors in the Indian hockey team, and uncomfortable facing the camera.
Today, the veteran goalkeeper travels across the world, speaks confidently and mentors the young women hockey players.
The 36-year-old Savita, who is the most experienced player in the FIH World Cup with 317 caps, is only four matches away from breaking the Indian record for playing most matches , currently held by the veteran goalkeeper Vandana Katariya.
While looking back at her glorious career, Savita feels hockey has changed her as a person too.
"When I started playing, I couldn't talk to my seniors much beyond saying 'good morning', but today I'm a team mentor. My confidence has grown significantly. I've learned to speak while playing hockey." she told PTI in an exclusive interview.
"I often share my journey with the young players. Today, players are learning these things very quickly. It took us a long time to grow," said the veteran who is often called the wall of Indian Hockey.
"It wouldn't be wrong to say that hockey has completely changed me. There was a time when I was afraid to even leave the house alone. Even if I had to go to my uncle's house in the neighbourhood, I would ask my mother to stand at the door. But today, I can travel to any corner of the world alone," she said.
Reflecting on her past, Savita recalled a time when she seriously considered quitting hockey for being upset by the rude behaviour of a roadways bus conductor.
"It was in 2011, when I was returning home from camp, and at that time, there was no transport available. I had my luggage along with my goalkeeping bag. Bus services were very limited in the evening, and because of my luggage, they refused to let me board the bus. The conductor suggested buying two tickets, but I felt I couldn't afford five hundred rupees." she said.
"He then said, 'You're a girl, if you call out once, ten boys will come'. I started crying and told my father that I didn't want to play hockey anymore. My father then bought a second-hand car so I could continue."
Indian goalkeepers Savita and Bichoo Devi are receiving considerable praise at this World Cup, but the former said that it was not the case in the past.
"The status that goalkeepers have achieved in India wasn't easy. Previously, people would only ask after matches who scored the goals, not who saved them. There was a mindset that if someone was unfit, slow, or not healthy, they would be made the goalkeeper. Now, times have changed."
"Becoming a goalkeeper was the best decision of my life. I want to be remembered as a good goalkeeper and a good mentor."
When asked about her role in the team, she said that the focus is on keeping the atmosphere positive.
"As seniors, our focus is on maintaining a good team atmosphere. The players listen to me, and I feel happy when something good comes out of it. Navneet, Neha, Salima, Sushila, Lalremsiami, all the senior players are working towards it and we always talk about taking this team one step further." she said.
Savita, who has seen many ups and downs in Indian women's hockey, said that the disappointment of missing out on a medal at the Tokyo Olympics has become an inspiration for the players.
"No one in Tokyo expected the Indian women's hockey team to perform so well. Everyone praised us, but the lack of a medal left us with a sense of regret," Savita said.
"Since then, we have worked hard individually and as a team. That inspired us, and if we play to our strengths, we can move one step forward," said the second female hockey player to be awarded the Padma Shri.
When asked about the future, Savita said that her current goals are the World Cup and the Asian Games, and she is not thinking beyond that.
"I like to improve myself every day. Right now, the World Cup and Asian Games are very important, and I'll focus on them. After that, we'll see what's next," she said.
When asked what message she would like to give to players who are about to pick up a hockey stick for the first time, she said, "I would tell parents to support their children. Sports in India are growing rapidly, and so is hockey."
"Today, there are tournaments like the Senior and Junior Nationals, Khelo India, and Hockey India League, so train with that in mind."
"But dedication, commitment, and discipline are essential for this. If you work hard, you can achieve anything. If you hear the stories of not just me, but many players in the team, you might wonder if it's really possible. But if you work hard, everything is possible."
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
