New Delhi: Indian women’s hockey captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia expressed her happiness on being honored with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Goalkeeper of the Year award, saying that she wants to dedicate the award to her team.
Savita won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award at the FIH Hockey Stars Awards 2023 on Tuesday. According to a Hockey India press release, this is his third consecutive win of the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award, having emerged victorious in every edition since 2021.
On receiving the award, Savita said, “It is difficult for me to share the overwhelmed emotions that I experienced knowing that I have once again been honored with this award for the third consecutive year. This is what drives my desire to be the best.” The shared objective of achieving victory for the team. I am not alone in this journey; The entire team defends as one. So, I want to dedicate this award to my team.”
An expert panel of national associations representing captains and coaches of their respective national teams, fans and the media voted in these awards and Savita was by far the clear choice for the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award. In these votes, she got 40.9 points, while her nearest rival Julia Sonntag of Germany got 22.8 points.
“This acceptance serves as positive encouragement for me, confirming that I am on the right path. While the team has maintained good form this year, as we approach 2024, my aim is to maintain top performances and provide the team with the best opportunities. Qualify for the Olympics at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi next month.”
The dynamic goalkeeper made his international debut in 2011 and has since earned 266 caps for India. A true stalwart, Savita has been a consistent presence for the Indian women’s hockey team, leading India to many important wins in recent years. She played a key role in the team’s title win at the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain, thereby ensuring India’s promotion to the FIH Pro League 2023-24.
She then led the team to win a bronze medal at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, followed by a title win at the recently held Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023. Under his captaincy, India also achieved its best world ranking (number six with 2368.83 points).
As the Indian women’s hockey team gears up for the crucial FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024, it is encouraging to have the world’s best goalkeeper guarding the goal.
