New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Hockey India extended hearty congratulations to Savita Punia, the celebrated Indian women’s hockey icon, and Baldev Singh, a former international player, for their remarkable achievement of receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award. This accolade recognizes their outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey and Indian athletics as a whole.

Savita Punia has emerged as a pivotal figure in Indian hockey, making her senior international debut at the age of 20. Over the years, she has established herself as one of the world's leading goalkeepers, celebrated for her composure, dependability, and leadership. Her influence has been instrumental in propelling Indian hockey to new heights on the global stage, particularly in the last decade.

In 2025, she made history by becoming only the second Indian goalkeeper, following PR Sreejesh, to achieve an impressive milestone of 300 international caps, showcasing her remarkable skill and unwavering consistency at the highest level.

Her contributions were vital in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which significantly enhanced the visibility of Indian women’s hockey worldwide. Savita's experience was also essential during the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, where India advanced to the Quarter-Finals.

As a former captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, she led the team to several significant victories, including a Bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and triumphs at the FIH Nations Cup.

Her leadership was pivotal in securing consecutive Gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and 2024, further establishing the team’s growing dominance in Asia.

In recognition of her excellence, Savita was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2018, alongside receiving the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year twice, in 2022 and 2023. Her exceptional skills have also earned her the title of FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for three consecutive seasons: 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23.

Meanwhile, Baldev Singh, a former Indian international, has been celebrated for his substantial contributions to hockey both as a player and as a coach. He represented India at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and participated in three Hockey World Cups: the 1971 Barcelona World Cup, where India won the Bronze medal; the 1973 Amsterdam World Cup, securing Silver; and the 1978 Buenos Aires World Cup. Additionally, he was part of the Indian teams that earned Silver medals at the Asian Games in 1970 and 1974.

After retiring, Baldev made a significant impact as a coach, guiding numerous players who later represented India at the highest levels. His notable mentees include Olympic medalist and renowned drag flicker Sandeep Singh, former captain of the Indian women’s team Rani Rampal, along with Didar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Dang, Harpal Singh, and Navjot Kaur.

In 2009, he received the Dronacharya Award for his exceptional contributions to coaching and player development.

Upon congratulating both Savita and Baldev, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated, “The Padma Shri for Savita and Shri Baldev Singh is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey community. Savita has redefined goalkeeping standards in world hockey and has been a star in every sense for the Indian women’s team.

Her achievement of more than 300 international caps speaks volumes about her dedication and excellence. Baldev Singh’s legacy as a player and a coach is unparalleled—generations of Indian hockey players have benefited from his knowledge, discipline, and vision.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh remarked, “Savita’s journey reflects the power of dedication and perseverance, and her achievements continue to inspire young athletes across the country.

Baldev has devoted his life to nurturing talent and building Indian hockey from the grassroots to the international stage. This honour is richly deserved and recognizes decades of selfless service to the sport.”