JOIN US Savita Punia has been a steady presence in the Indian women’s hockey side over the years. But even for a player of her experience (131 international caps), the recently concluded Hockey World League Round II was a learning experience.
The Haryana-born shot-stopper was in top form keeping two clean sheets and thwarting her opponents’ attempts in fine manner in the other two ties that went to shoot-out as India won the tournament to book a place in the World League Semifinals. “It was a good exposure. To play under such a situation and to come out victorious, it’s really good for the team,” said Savita, who is in Bengaluru at the national camp.
The women’s team has undergone a change in the recent past. A handful of new players has been roped into the core probables. the team also has a new head coach — Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne taking over from Neil Hawgood. Savita felt the team has adapted well.
“We’re quite comfortable (to work with him). He doesn't let us take it easy. Everything has to be done seriously,” she said. “Off the field, he keeps us quite relaxed. Earlier, there was pressure from the coaches. Today, we are comfortable and it shows on the field.”
The Rio Olympics debacle has had an effect on the team’s confidence. It was evident in their opening game in Canada. Against Uruguay, they took the lead twice before allowing their opponents to crawl back and push the tie into a shootout.
“After our performance in the Olympics, our confidence took a hit,” admitted the goalie. “We won the Asian Champions Trophy but we couldn't play our game. In January, when the coach took over, our morale and our fitness levels were low. But we’ve improved,” she said.
Going into the World League Semifinals, the team has its eyes fixed on securing a berth at the 2018 World Cup. A top-10 finish is something Savita thinks her side can achieve. “I feel, we can definitely qualify (for the World Cup),” she said. “We want to go match by match. At the Semifinals, there are no easy teams. Every team will pose a new challenge and we want to take them one at a time.”