‘My subsequent goal for the entire yr is essential. I’ve all the time set my targets in life. So now I’ve just one aim in my thoughts, that’s we should win a gold medal within the Asian Video games and instantly qualify for the Olympics.’
IMAGE: Veteran Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia has set her sights on an Asian Video games gold. {Photograph}: Variety courtesy Savita Punia/Instagram
Former India captain and veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia has set her sights on successful the gold on this yr’s Asian Video games and securing direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics earlier than hanging up her pads on a excessive.
Savita stated she is not trying too far forward to LA 2028 and is focussed on serving to India qualify for the quadrennial mega-event by means of the Asian Video games to be held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan from September 19 until October 4.
“I’ve began feeling that I wish to spend extra time with my household. Everybody goes to retire in some unspecified time in the future, each time the day comes, I simply wish to depart on a very good observe. It would not matter if it is an Asian Video games or the LA 2028 Olympics,” Savita, a 2002 Commonwealth Video games bronze winner and three-time Asian Video games medallist, instructed PTI in an interview.
“LA 28 is somewhat far for me. I can not say a lot about it. I’ve set my very own aim for the Asian Video games, not trying past that as of now. I’m considering hanging up my boots after the Asian Video games on a excessive observe, if we win the event and qualify for the Olympics.
“If every little thing goes as per this plan, I will be happy that the crew goes to be there in LA and the gamers don’t want to fret about going through the stress of qualifiers anymore, they’ll exit and play freely then,” the 35-year-old custodian added.
Savita, who is popping out for Soorma Hockey Membership within the ongoing ladies’s Hockey India League and is being supported by JSW Sports activities, stated she goes to offer her coronary heart and soul to assist India qualify for the LA 2028 by means of the Asian Video games.
“My subsequent goal for the entire yr is essential. I’ve all the time set my targets in life. So now I’ve just one aim in my thoughts, that’s we should win a gold medal within the Asian Video games and instantly qualify for the Olympics.
“Our crew has that capability, and personally I’m going to depart no stone unturned as a participant and a senior member of the crew, I’m all the time there to inspire my crew.
“All of us have taken numerous stress in enjoying qualifiers already. It could be ideally suited if we will instantly qualify after the Asian Video games. Due to this fact, my private goal is to win the Asian Video games and qualify for the Olympics.”
IMAGE: At 35 years of age, Savita Punia is match, however shouldn’t be trying too far forward into the longer term. {Photograph}: Variety courtesy Savita Punia/Instagram
Having did not qualify on to subsequent yr’s World Cup by means of the Asia Cup, the place they completed runners-up, Savita stated successful the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in March this yr in Hyderabad is the only alternative to make the World Cup.
“After that, the World Cup qualifier is essential for all of us. After which the Nations Cup, as a result of I really feel that enjoying the Nations Cup and qualifying for FIH World Cup would be the finest likelihood for us to showcase the very best model of our recreation.
“After which everybody is aware of concerning the World Cup and Asian Video games. So, this entire yr is essential for me and my entire crew,” she stated.
Savita additionally hasn’t utterly deserted the hopes of being part of the LA 2028 crew although she is aware of it’s nonetheless distant.
“For me, nothing is unimaginable. As of now, my physique can be very supportive of my recreation. Each time any overseas participant asks about my age, they get shocked that I’m 35 years outdated. I wish to hold myself match.
“So long as I’m on the bottom, my age doesn’t matter. In case you are match, you may play on the age of 30, 35 or 40. My most important goalkeeping job is to have good footwork and agility. In case you are match, you may play at any age.
“I’m very blessed that each my households help me. My in-laws additionally help me. In the event that they did not help me, I would not have been in a position to play. It has been 3 years since I obtained married and I am nonetheless enjoying.”
