In this exclusive interview with Boria Majumdar, RevSportz editor-in-chief, Indian women’s hockey player Savita Punia reflects on the team’s recent outing at the FIH Hockey World Cup. She discusses the positive transformation in the team’s environment and performances under head coach Sjoerd Marijne in the space of six months, the team’s Asian Games ambitions with the LA Olympics in mind, and the importance of taking one step at a time. She also highlights the need for a Women’s Hockey India League and the impact it could have on the growth and development of Indian hockey and young players.
Boria: The women’s team has actually done very well at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. What are your thoughts?
Savita: I was emotional, as were my teammates, because we were not happy with the draw. We knew we could have done better. Despite the doubts surrounding us, especially after previous defeats to China, we focused on ourselves, trusted our coaches and believed in our abilities. We took the tournament match by match and started well.
I remember hearing from Dutch player Yibbi Jansen, who is one of the best drag-flickers in the world, that it is not easy to play against India. That itself shows how the team has changed. The match was good for us and very closely contested.
Our exit from the Pro League last year hurt us, but with the new coaching staff, everyone worked towards the same goal of taking Indian hockey to another level. Although we did not get the result we wanted at the World Cup, I don’t see it as a disappointment and have no regrets. Having played in three World Cups and experienced the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, I can see how much the team has grown.
Our body language, confidence and the way opponents perceive us have changed a lot. That is a big positive for us. We want to finish on the podium, and I believe that day is not far away. If it doesn’t happen today, it will happen tomorrow.
Boria: One year ago, we saw that there was no harmony between the players and the coaches, and now all of that has changed. Now you guys are again playing as one. Can you tell me what changed?
Savita: Yes, sir, it is true that we were not united, and there was something within the team affecting our unity. However, with Sjoerd Marijne, Matías Vila, the goalkeeper coach, the physios and the entire support staff, the team environment has changed significantly. When Sjoerd came in, we knew we had a talented team, but our first priority was to build a healthy environment where everyone could connect and speak openly.
That work off the field has reflected on the field as well. You could see the unity during the National Cup too.
My father was also telling me that the bond between the players, especially the goalkeepers, can be difficult because we are competitors. But we are competitors only during training. When I am in goal, I have to give my best. When Bichu is in goal, she has to give her best.
But for me to become better, I need Bichu’s help, and for Bichu to become better, she needs my help. Ultimately, we have to play for India and for our country, and we have become each other’s strength.
We have experienced the consequences of a lack of unity in the past, including missing out on important medals. The Tokyo Olympics group showed us how much can be achieved when the team environment is right. We spend more time together at camps than at home, so understanding each other’s struggles, supporting one another, and being able to give and receive feedback openly are extremely important.
Sjoerd’s previous experience of working with us has also helped him understand the team. In just six months, we have improved across all aspects of the game, including defence, penalty corners and attack. Good preparation builds confidence, and the positive environment has made us want to improve, learn and perform better together.
Boria: We took the lead twice in the China match. Can I say that the team will have the confidence that we can defeat China, win the Asian Games gold and qualify for the Olympics?
Savita: Yes, sir, I think this should be said because very few people have hope in women’s hockey. We have proved ourselves many times, and our World Cup performance has given every player confidence and clarity about where we need to go next.
Against China, we showed that we could do more than just defend. We had more circle entries than them and more shots on goal. We knew we would face them again soon, so we gave everything, but I still believe we played at only about 80% of our potential.
We will continue to take every match, whether it is the Asian Games or the World Cup, one at a time. Our goal is to qualify directly for the LA Olympics, which would give us around a year and a half to prepare. Given how much we have improved under Sjoerd in six months, I believe we can get very close to the Olympic podium with that preparation.
Boria: What is the personal goal for Savita Punia going ahead?
Savita: Honestly, my focus right now is entirely on the Asian Games. I haven’t thought beyond that, but if I decide to step away afterwards, I can do so happily knowing that Bichu is ready to take over and do a great job for the team. From training together, I know her abilities, and I believe she has the potential for a long and successful career with India.
For now, I have the full support of the federation, coaching staff, teammates and family, and I want to focus on achieving what we have been waiting for. I have won two bronze medals and a silver at the Asian Games, so our immediate goal is to qualify for LA. After that, I will decide whether I want to continue until the Olympics.
Boria: What are your thoughts on the Hockey India League for women, which is under uncertainty right now?
Savita: It is very important that the Hockey India League continues because we have all been waiting for it for a long time. Having seen the impact of the men’s league, we know how much playing alongside different players, exchanging ideas and gaining confidence can help an athlete grow.
I experienced this myself while playing alongside players like Maria Verschoor, a two-time Olympic medallist for the Netherlands. For young players, training, eating and interacting with experienced international players can significantly boost their confidence and help them understand the level they need to reach.
The Hockey India League is therefore a great platform not just for current players but also for the younger generation. It gives next-generation players the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world and gain confidence by training alongside them.
Boria: We will keep supporting. Thank you very much.
Savita: Thank you for your support.
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The post “Given how much we have improved under Sjoerd in six months, I believe we can get very close to the Olympic podium, with a year and a half of preparation before LA”: Savita Punia appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
