Speaking on winning the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year for the third time, Savita said, \u201cIt feels very good. There have been so many strong performances this year, I was not expecting to win. All athletes like to be recognised for their efforts, and I am grateful for the award.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While receiving the honour, Savita credited her team for their support. \u201cWithin the team, we all support each other and root for each other\u2019s success. None of us can achieve anything without the support of the team, so without them, this would not be possible.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Savita was unable to attend the awards in person this year, tuning in from Toronto, Canada, and watching the proceedings live with her in-laws. She dedicated the award to them, acknowledging their encouragement. \u201cMy husband and his family have been so supportive of hockey. A lot of athletes feel pressure to stop playing once they are married, but they have encouraged and enabled me to keep giving my best for the Indian team. I think I am fortunate to have their support.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on Goalkeeper of the Year award, Savita highlighted the dedication that goes into excelling in her role. \u201cA lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes. Behind every stop, there are hours of training on footwork, agility, reflexes, and positioning. The coaches have worked very hard as well to help with my game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The past year has been particularly significant for Savita, with one of the highlights being the Hero Hockey India League, where she led Soorma Hockey Club. \u201cHockey India fulfilled their promise of hosting the Hero Hockey India League for women, and we are all so grateful. We truly enjoyed the tournament, and it helped us improve our individual skill sets as well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Savita\u2019s awards also came with substantial cash prizes\u2014Rs 25,00,000 for the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) and Rs 5,00,000 for the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She underscored the importance of these rewards, saying, \u201cIn the early years, we could not believe that we could receive such huge amounts of money. Yes, it is about recognition, but it also empowers us to look after our family and loved ones and do things for them. I don\u2019t think there are many sports in India where women have these kinds of opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Savita\u2019s focus is on next year\u2019s World Cup, along with the upcoming round of the FIH Women\u2019s Pro League. \u201cWhen the country does so much to recognise and reward us, we owe it to them and the country to give our best. There is a sense of responsibility that comes with the awards.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She underscored the importance of these rewards, saying, \u201cIn the early years, we could not believe that we could receive such huge amounts of money. Yes, it is about recognition, but it also empowers us to look after our family and loved ones and do things for them. I don\u2019t think there are many sports in India where women have these kinds of opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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