Padma Shri awardee and Indian hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia has expressed immense pride in her hockey journey, recalling how she once feared stepping out of her home and viewed playing the sport as an impossible dream. Speaking to ANI, she described visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan with her family as a deeply meaningful moment.
From Fear to Glory: A Journey of Determination
"I am definitely very happy because I have had a long journey in hockey... There was a time when I was afraid to even leave the house, and playing hockey felt like a distant dream. Today, I get to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan with my family, so it is a truly significant moment for me," Punia told ANI.
President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Shri to Punia at the second Civil Investiture Ceremony on June 23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The ceremony will see a total of 65 Padma Awards conferred, including two Padma Vibhushan, seven Padma Bhushan, and 56 Padma Shri awards.
FIH Pro League: Key Preparation for World Cup
Savita emphasised the importance of the FIH Pro League as ideal preparation against the world's best teams. "If you want to compete against the top teams in the world, the Pro League is the best tournament," she said. With India placed in a favourable pool for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's World Cup, she voiced confidence about the team's prospects.
"We talk about having silver and bronze, so we have to go for gold this time," Punia asserted, signalling the team's ambition to surpass previous podium finishes and target the gold medal.
Padma Awards 2026: Other Honorees
Along with Punia, former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma and Bhagwandas Raikwar will receive the Padma Shri. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj is set to receive the Padma Bhushan, while Vladimir Mestvirishvili will be honoured with the Padma Shri posthumously.
The first Civil Investiture Ceremony for the Padma Awards 2026 was held on May 26, during which 66 Padma Awards were conferred. The awards recognise exceptional contributions in various fields, including sports, arts, and public service.
