Savita chooses to 'start afresh' with LA '28 in mind
Published On : 2024-11-20T05:43:25+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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RAJGIR: Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita Punia was left speechless after the team failed to make it to the Paris Olympics early this year.
Following the loss to Japan in the Olympic qualifiers the Indian goalkeeper sat in the dugout with her jaws clenched looking into the abyss without any expression. One could almost feel her pain.
Almost 10 months down the line the pain is still fresh in her memory but she is focused on moving forward.
Even if you ask the same question 10 years later I won’t forget it. It is a part of sports and it will always be hard for me.
Sports teaches you how to handle setbacks and overcome failures in your career. It's not like we gave up after that failure. I might be one of the senior players but I'm back on the ground, standing again.
The Indian women look to have made a fresh start with the focus on one thing – to make the cut for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Their first challenge towards achieving this goal is doing well at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. Their performance here so far has been impressive and they are waiting to take on China in the summit clash on Wednesday.
Whatever happens in the final the next step in the process will be to give the youngsters as many chances as possible in the coming days.
“We started anew with many junior players joining and it’s all about team building now. We have a group of 24 players so there will be replacements giving young players a chance,” Savita said.
After that we have the Hockey India League and then the Asia Cup. Our focus will be on the Asian Games and World Cup obviously and it’s good to start building up for those tournaments.
The other task that the team senior has is preparing upcoming goalkeepers Madhuri Kindo (22 years) and Bansari Solanki (23). The 34-year-old Savita is looking forward to mentoring them and believes that they will be able to support her and second goalkeeper K. Bichu Devi (23
Besides the national team Savita is also eager to play in the maiden women’s HIL to be held from January 12-26. Interestingly she will play at Soorma Hockey Club under the coaching of Rani Rampal – Savita’s captain in the India set-up for a number
It will be a great experience because Rani has had a journey of 15-16 years. We have played most tournaments together so playing for a team under her guidance will be exciting Savita said.
Whichever team wins the Women’s HIL it promises to be a spectacle and its success will help in the popularity of the Indian women’s team in future.
Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles
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Summary :
RAJGIR: Former Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita Punia was left speechless after the team failed to make it to the Paris Olympics early this year.
Following the loss to Japan in the O
