Hockey News: "We are fully focused on the upcoming competitions," says Navneet Kaur, forward of the Indian women's hockey team

    The Indian women’s hockey squad is focused on future tournaments after ending their 16-year-long medal drought at the Commonwealth Games by winning the historic Bronze medal in Birmingham

    Indian Women's hockey Team Indian Women's hockey Team

    Forward Navneet Kaur played a crucial role in the Indian attack at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She is keen to play a bigger role in the team moving forward and talked about the future ambitions of the team.

    Navneet Kaur said, “You could feel the togetherness of the squad as we got laser-focused on the Bronze medal tie. That moment was surreal, especially for me.”

    The 26-year-old Haryana native is working towards improving her ball control to take control of the flow of the game. The Indian women’s squad is also looking to improve their coordination and finishing before the beginning of future tournaments. 

    They returned to the training camp on August 29 and are preparing for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup, set to take place in Spain in December 2022.

    Navneet Kaur also talked about the added responsibilities of being a senior player. She said, “ look to help the youngsters with everything and anything on and off the field. We talk freely off the field and encourage open discussions."

    Indian goalkeeper Savita nominated for the goalkeeper of the year award

    Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita has been nominated for the FIH Women's Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2021-22, having also won the award previously in the 2020-21 edition.

    Other players from the Indian contingent to be nominated for FIH Hockey Star Awards 2021-22:

    • Harmanpreet Singh for FIH Player Of the Year (Men)
    • PR Sreejesh for FIH Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)
    • Mumtaz Khan for FIH Rising Star of the Year (Women)
    • Sanjay for FIH Rising Star of the Year (Men)

    Savita is also the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team in addition to being the primary goalkeeper. She led the Indian squad to a third-spot finish on their debut appearance at FIH Pro League in the 2021/22 season.

    Savita said, “It is my job to ensure my team feels happy with my performance as a goalkeeper. We all strive to help each other out in achieving the results. If one of us is nominated, each member of the team receives appreciation. This is what makes me happy."