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Amstelveen: Veteran Indian women's hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia recalled her 17-year sporting journey. Savita Punia said that hockey not only gave identity to Savita Punia, but also completely changed her personality and self-confidence. At one time, Savita Poonia used to hesitate even in going alone to her relative's house in the neighborhood and Savita Poonia used to ask her mother to stand at the door. Now Savita Punia can go alone to any corner of the world and Savita Punia guides the young players of the team.

Hockey taught us to speak openly

36-year-old Savita is playing her third World Cup and has played 317 international matches so far. She is close to the record of playing most international matches in Indian women's hockey. To break Vandana Kataria's record of 320 matches, she has to play only four more matches.

Savita remembered her early days. She used to say that at that time she could only say 'Good morning' to big players. The hockey journey increased Savita's confidence. Now Savita is playing the role of mentor of the team.

She said that she shares her experiences with the young players and tries to make them understand that the players of today can achieve the heights which took a lot of time for their generation to reach.

Wanted to leave hockey because of bus conductor's advice

Savita also shared a difficult phase of her career. He told that while returning home from the camp in 2011, he had to face problems due to the goalkeeping bag and luggage in the bus. The bus conductor asked him to take two tickets. After this, she was deeply hurt by a comment allegedly made and asked her father to quit hockey.

According to Savita, after this her father bought an old car, so that she could continue playing hockey without such problems.

'Becoming a goalkeeper was the best decision of my life'

Savita said that the respect given to goalkeepers in Indian hockey has changed a lot as compared to earlier. After the first match, the discussion was mostly about the players who scored goals, but now the performance of the players who save goals also gets importance.

She said that becoming a goalkeeper was the best decision of her life and she wants to be remembered as a good goalkeeper as well as a good mentor.

Made the pain of Tokyo an inspiration

The Indian women's hockey team had missed out on a medal in the Tokyo Olympics. According to Savita, that performance was praised, but the regret of not winning a medal became an inspiration for the team.

He said that after this the players worked hard at individual and team level. Now the team's aim is to go one step further by playing according to its strengths. After the World Cup, the Asian Games and Los Angeles Olympics are also important targets of the team.

Right now full focus on World Cup and Asian Games

Regarding the future, Savita said that currently her focus is on the World Cup and Asian Games. She focuses on improving herself every day and only then will decide about her future journey.

Giving a message to the new generation players, he appealed to the parents to support their children to progress in sports. He said that new opportunities are continuously increasing in the field of sports, but dedication, commitment, discipline and hard work are necessary for success.