Savita Punia: helping a family and a nation dream big

In the lead up to the International Women’s Day 2023 we are speaking with women in hockey, who are inspiring passionate fans around the world, through their contributions to hockey. In today’s interview, we speak with Savita Punia of India.

Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team and the FIH women’s goalkeeper of the year 2021-22, is among the best in the business of goalkeeping in hockey, leading India to great victories and new heights including a fourth placed finish in the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and a bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022. But for Savita, she is just living out the dream that her family had for her and the journey they have unconditionally supported her on.

Savita’s journey began through her parents and grandfather who motivated her to pick up hockey and her father followed it up by investing beyond their means for her to learn to play as a goalkeeper with the dream of playing for India.

Having taken on the captaincy of the team in 2021, Savita says it doesn’t change her overall approach to the game a lot with saving goals for her team being her first priority, but there is an added responsibility and honor in captaining the team that she takes very seriously and creating a great atmosphere for her teammates is a priority for her.

Watch the full interview below, as Savita discusses the highlights of her career, the importance of winning the Nations Cup and qualifying for the FIH Hockey Pro League and plenty more.