New Delhi, June 24: Hockey India has extended its congratulations to veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia for being honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Celebrating this achievement, Hockey India described Savita as a “true icon” of Indian sports, emphasizing that this recognition rightly acknowledges her significant contributions to Indian hockey over more than a decade. On the social media platform X, Hockey India stated, “Padma Shri for a true icon. Savita, a stalwart of Indian women’s hockey, received the Padma Shri from Honorable President Droupadi Murmu for her remarkable contributions to Indian sports. This is a tremendous honor for an athlete who has defended India’s goalposts for over a decade, inspiring millions with her exceptional talent, courage, and leadership.”
In an emotional response to this prestigious award, Savita expressed that this honor is not just for her but also a source of pride for her family and teammates who have supported her throughout her journey. She remarked, “I feel very happy because this is a significant award in itself. When I started playing hockey, I never imagined my journey would be so long or that I would receive such a great personal honor. This means a lot to me, my family, and my team.”
Reflecting on the challenges she faced during her career, Savita credited her family for helping her overcome tough times. She added, “There were many moments when I felt I might have to quit playing. However, due to my family’s support, I continued my hockey journey. Today, my family stands with me, and everyone is very happy. Being a girl from a middle-class family, receiving such support from my parents feels very special.”
Savita hopes her journey will serve as an inspiration for young girls across the country. She stated, “It sets a good example for everyone that if Savita can do it, our girls can too. It feels great. If you are in any field, you must have passion, dedication, and patience. Today’s generation wants quick results, but in sports, you face many challenges and struggles. Injuries are a significant part of the game. There is no shortcut to success. You need to be patient and work hard.”
One of the most successful goalkeepers in Indian hockey history, Savita made her senior international debut at the age of 20 and has since established herself among the world’s best goalkeepers. In 2025, she became the second Indian goalkeeper, after P.R. Sreejesh, to complete 300 international caps, showcasing her longevity and exceptional performance at the highest levels of the sport.
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