Sirsa, October 2
Indian women hockey team’s award-winning goalkeeper Savita Punia (23) is without a job. Punia was adjudged the best goalkeeper in the 8th Asia Cup Hockey that concluded in Kuala Lumpur on September 27.

She was instrumental in India’s victory over China in the playoff as she stopped a crucial penalty stroke in the sudden death to clinch a bronze medal for the country.

Punia, daughter of pharmacist Mahender Punia and resident of Jodhka village in Sirsa, was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament owing to her overall performance.

Back from Kuala Lumpur, Savita is now preparing for the fixtures ahead and dreams of seeing India qualify for the Olympics. Punia has so far made 57 international and 27 test appearances.

She was also part of the squad that won a silver medal in the 7th Women’s Asia Cup at Bangkok in 2009. The same year, her team won a gold medal in the 1st Women’s Champion Challenge II at Kazan, Russia.

“I am fortunate to be from Haryana, which has been providing good facilities to sportspersons. Players from our state have been doing the country proud,” she says.