For more than a decade, she has stood guard between the posts, thwarting attacks and carrying India’s hopes on her shoulders. Now, Savita Punia, affectionately known as the “Great Wall of Indian Hockey”, has received one of the country’s highest honours—the Padma Shri.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious civilian award on the veteran goalkeeper at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising her immense contribution to Indian sport. Hockey India hailed the accolade as “a richly deserved honour” for a player who has inspired millions through her excellence and leadership.

An Emotional Moment for the Woman Behind the Gloves

For Savita, the award was more than a personal achievement. Speaking after receiving the honour, an emotional goalkeeper said she never imagined that the game she fell in love with would take her this far.

The 34-year-old credited her family for standing by her during difficult phases when she contemplated quitting the sport. Savita Punia said that there had been many occasions when she thought she would have to stop playing, but the support of her family had helped her continue. She added that, as a girl from a middle-class family, receiving so much encouragement from her parents felt very special.

The Great Wall Who Protected India’s Dreams

Savita made her senior international debut at the age of 20 and has since become one of the finest goalkeepers in world hockey. In 2025, she became only the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international appearances.

Her brilliant reflexes and calm leadership played a vital role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. She was also part of the squads that competed at the Rio Olympics and reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup.

As captain, she led India to bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and guided the team to the FIH Nations Cup title. Under her leadership, India also won consecutive Women’s Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.

‘There Is No Shortcut to Success’

Savita hopes her journey will encourage young girls to chase their dreams fearlessly. She states that today's generation wants quick outcomes, but sports bring struggles, injuries and setbacks. There is no shortcut to success. One has to be patient and work hard.

Those words perhaps best define the journey of the woman who became India’s Great Wall—and now, one of its most celebrated sporting icons.