Eight years ago at Bangkok, Savita Punia was a greenhorn. The up and coming goalie was an under study of Kavita Purthy, India’s first choice goalie. Coach MK Kaushik used to play her in matches where India was comfortably placed in the pool stages. This was Savita’s early stages, and her first Asia Cup.
Now in 2017, Savita has seen everything, a high of Indian women hockey when they qualified for the Rio Olympics and then at the same summit unable to do anything.
But her game was on ascend.
The Hissar’s wonder girl, now in her mid 20s, achieved an important milestone in her hockey career. Today’s India’s match which it won against higher ranked China is her 150th international appearance.
Not just numbers today. She did everything to mark the occasion end in a joy, an eluding win over China in the league.
“I am happy I could contribute to the team’s success today. This counts me more than my personal achievement,” Savita said shortly after India decimated China 4-1 in a chilling windy day at Kawasaki Stadium, Gifu, Japan.
“My wish is to contribute to the team. I would even like to play another 5,6 years and add on to my caps count”, she said with a child like enthusiasm.
To mark the occasion, goal-keeper captain Bharat Chetri presented her a bouque before start of the match.