Celebrating the achievement, Hockey India described Savita as a \u201ctrue icon\u201d of Indian sport and said the honour was a fitting recognition of her immense contribution to Indian hockey over more than a decade.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cA Padma Shri for a true icon. Indian women\u2019s hockey stalwart Savita receives the Padma Shri from Hon\u2019ble President Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian sport. A richly deserved honour for a player who has guarded India\u2019s goalpost with distinction for over a decade, inspiring millions through her excellence, resilience and leadership,\u201d Hockey India wrote on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reacting to the prestigious honour, an emotional Savita told IANS that the award was a matter of immense pride not only for her but also for her family and teammates who stood by her throughout her journey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am feeling very good because it is a very big award in itself. When I started playing hockey, I never thought that my journey would be so long and that I would receive such a big individual honour. It is a big thing for me, my family and my team,\u201d Savita said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the challenges she faced during her career, she credited her family for helping her overcome difficult moments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were many circumstances when I thought I would have to stop playing. But because of the support of my family, I continued my hockey journey. Today my family is here with me, and everyone is very happy. Being a girl from a middle-class family, getting so much support from my parents feels very special,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Savita said her journey should serve as an inspiration for young girls across the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cA good example is set for everyone that if Savita can do it, then our girls can also do it. This feels very good. If you are in any field, you should have passion, dedication and patience. Today\u2019s generation wants quick outcomes, but in sports you face many challenges and struggles. Injuries are a big part of the game. There is no shortcut to success. You have to be patient and work hard,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
One of the most accomplished goalkeepers in Indian hockey history, Savita made her senior international debut at the age of 20 and has since established herself among the world\u2019s finest custodians. Her composure, consistency and leadership have been instrumental in India\u2019s rise on the global stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 2025, she became only the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international caps, underlining her longevity and excellence at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Savita played a crucial role in India\u2019s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, a campaign that transformed the profile of women\u2019s hockey in the country. She was also a key member of the teams that competed at the Rio Olympics and reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 Women\u2019s Hockey World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 2025, she became only the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international caps, underlining her longevity and excellence at the highest level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Savita received the Arjuna Award in 2018 and was named Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. She also won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award in three consecutive seasons, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, further cementing her legacy as one of India\u2019s greatest-ever goalkeepers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n