Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia, who won the FIH
Goalkeeper of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022, has been nominated for the
third consecutive time in the same category at this year’s FIH Hockey Stars
Awards.
Expressing her joy at being nominated for the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of
the Year Award 2023, Savita said she never thought she would win this award for
two straight years, and get nominated yet again.
“I feel really great, and it’s a proud moment for me, my family and my
teammates as well. When I started playing, I never thought I would come this
far, and it is all due to the support of my family and my teammates,” Savita
was quoted as saying by Hockey India.
“In team sport, no achievement is based on individual efforts but is an
outcome of teamwork. It’s great to be recognised for your hard work, and it
motivates the entire team,” she added.
One of the most influential figures in the current set-up, Savita has led
India to various important wins in recent years, which includes the title win
at the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain that helped India
earn promotion to the FIH Pro League 2023-24.
She then led the team to bronze win at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022
followed by the title win at the recently held Jharkhand Women’s Asian
Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. Under her Captaincy, India also achieved their
best-ever world rankings (No. 6 with 2368.83 points).
Reflecting on the season, Savita said, “It has been an amazing season for
us. I’m just proud of how we overcame the obstacles that were thrown our way.
We’ve gotten better with each game. Even the younger players have shown great
tenacity; they have worked hard and given their all.”
With the focus pinned on the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier Ranchi
2024, the Indian women’s hockey team will be aiming for a top-three finish at
the tournament to secure their qualification for the prestigious Paris 2024
Olympics.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Ranchi from 13th to 19th
January. India are placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, United States, and
Italy.
Pool A consists of Germany, Japan, Chile, and the Czech Republic. The top
two teams from each group will then progress to the Semi-Finals, and the top
three finishing teams will secure their qualification for the Paris Olympics.
ANI
