Savita Punia: Time to replicate Asian success in big-ticket events
Indian women's hockey team vice-captain Savita Punia believes it is time her team replicates the success at the Asian level in big-ticket events including the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. The Indian women's team has established itself as strong contenders in Asia having won one gold (1982), two silver (1998, 2018), and three bronze medals (1986, 2006, 2014) in the Asian Games.
Indian women also won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018
Besides, India also clinched two gold (2004, 2017) and as many silver and bronze medals in the Asia Cup. The Indian women also bagged the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018.
Team has improved immensely in the last three years: Punia
"We have achieved good results at the Asian level tournaments. Playing well in these events has given the team, particularly youngsters, a sense of what it really takes to do well at big tournaments. Now, I feel we are ready for bigger feats," said Punia. Punia, who plays as a goalkeeper, said the team has improved immensely in the last three years.
We play with good speed now: Punia
"We have improved our attack and we play with good speed now, there are a lot of positive changes within the group," said Punia. "In fact, our fitness levels have improved over the years which, in turn, has helped us improve our overall performances," she added. Punia feels they now have developed the right temperament required to face top teams of the world.
We don't give up till the very end: Punia
"If you have seen our recent performances, we have tried to come back into the game after initial setbacks. We don't give up until the last whistle," said Punia. She also posts workout videos and photos with motivational quotes like, "Small steps for Bigger Goals."
