Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Savita Punia, India women’s hockey goalkeeper, cited the transformation of the players’ mindset as the reason for the resurgence of Indian hockey in recent times as the team gets ready for FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup.
” Lots of things have actually changed over the years. Talking about our group, our way of thinking has actually been one of the most significant difference. We play with a favorable perspective and contend not only to take part however we have our goals to accomplish. We review our efficiencies to get better,” Punia, who is FIH goalkeeper of 2022, informed ANI in a special interview. The captain opened up concerning the turnaround of Indian hockey in the past couple of years and also talked about the major shift that has taken place, aiding Indian hockey restore several of its old splendor.
Punia also pointed out the health and fitness requirements that have boosted dramatically for many years, which aid the players in supplying popular circumstances.
” Health and fitness has been a really major reason for the adjustment helping gamers not surrender in alarming scenarios. Sports bodies have really looked after us and bought hockey. Hockey India and SAI have been aiding us with direct exposure,” Punia said.
” Understanding regarding diet regimen and also one’s own individual fitness drawbacks. Gamers also take time out on their offs to practice, specifically the young gamers. They know if their health and fitness depends on the mark only after that they will certainly make it to the team,” she added.
The goalkeeper heaped appreciation on the group’s train Sjoerd Marijne and also really hoped that there will certainly be extra favorable adjustments with time.
” Our trainer additionally has high expectations as well as makes us do the tough backyards. Competition is there. No sudden change. We have actually spent 1.5 years with the trainer as well as will get more outcomes with her in future,” the star hockey player said.
Punia discussed the relevance of the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup which could guarantee the team a place in the 2nd period of the FIH Pro League.
” The Nations Mug is very important for us as it does assure us a location in the 2nd period of the FIH Pro League. Playing in the last season of the Pro League assisted us prepare for Republic, hence crucial from that point of view. It gives us possibility to play top teams and also get ready for the 2024 Olympics. Playing top groups bonds the players in the group and also aids in boosting our efficiency,” the 32-year-old gamer claimed.
” Our prep work has been going on really well. The camps after the republic video games and the national video games both accompanied an eye on the Nations Cup,” she added.
Ace Indian Hockey goalkeepers public relations Sreejesh as well as Savita Punia were granted the Goalkeeper of the Year at the FIH Celebrity Awards 2021-2022 for their superior efficiency in essential events like the Tokyo Olympic Games, and also FIH Hockey Pro League among others.
Sharing her happiness regarding getting the award together with professional goalkeeper Sreejesh, she claimed, “It definitely really feels great to obtain the honor as well as specifically to be in the very same organization as Shreejesh. He is a senior to me and also there was a time when I used to view him play and also think of the things that I intended to gain from him. To get an honor with him is a great sensation. We have actually not educated together but whenever our camps would certainly be held together, he would certainly recommend me regarding the training.”
The knowledgeable player shared the rule to maintain the team together following her appointment as stand in captain. She said that preserving unity keeps the excellent results coming while pressurizing the young players does not yield desired results.
” Unity and also good bond assurance results, yet maintaining young players under pressure does not produce outcomes. We as elderly gamers offer the more youthful players freedom. No senior has actually a guaranteed place, there is competitors, and also young players are talented. We inspire them as elders,” shared the captain.
Savita Punia will certainly be leading the side in the Nations Cup as Rani Rampal is still coping with hamstring injury.
The player did not share any type of update on Rampal’s return as well as claimed, “The trainer would be able to answer about her.”
Punia was overjoyed regarding BCCI’s move to pay identical suit charges to men and women cricketers as well as called it a needed step.
” As a female professional athlete, I was really satisfied, the same initiatives are placed in by women professional athletes. We have actually seen the time adjustment. Hockey India is passionate concerning us. They meet our demands,” said the player.
She expressed self-confidence that India will carry out well in the FIH Hockey Globe Cup 2023.
” Throughout this time around, sporting activities can not be predicted. The Indian team is very good and they will perform well.”
The Indian Female’s hockey team will be playing the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Mug in Valencia, Spain from December 11, 2022 – December 17, 2022.
India have been placed in group B alongside Japan, Canada and South Africa.
