India might have been playing in the final if not for a goof-up among the officials during their semifinal fixture against Australia in the women's hockey event of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 in Birmingham. But they ensured that the team did well to come back in the bronze medal match to down defending champions New Zealand and finish third in the competition — their first in the CWG since silver in Melbourne in 2006.
The match was a 1-1 draw, with India eventually winning 2-1 in the shoot-outs. The hero for India this time around was their skipper and goalkeeper Savita Punia, who made three crucial saves to prevent their opponents from winning. After the match, Sports Tak caught up with Punia for an exclusive interview. Here are excerpts from the interview:
It was an interesting match in a jam-packed stadium. How did you and your team plan out the game?
Savita: After the Australia loss, we were sad. We had one day to motivate ourselves. We knew this match against New Zealand would be difficult and would go into shootout. We were prepared.
You concede a penalty with 18 seconds to go. Then there is a shootout. How did you prepare for the transition?
Savita: (It was disappointing) to concede a goal in the last few seconds. But, until the final whistle is not blown, the match is not over. If we had come to the shootout, we were not bogged down by what happened against Australia. We were confident. It was my responsibility to motivate the team. I told them that I will do my job you do yours.
What did you discuss in the huddle?
Savita: We had trained hard for the shootout. we were confident that we could achieve it. When the penalty shootout came, we were confident. What happened against Australia, there were a lot of youngsters who could not cope with that situation. How to handle that situation we were lacking. We trusted our training.
After the semifinal, how did you manage to control the team?
Savita: It was difficult. We had come with a tempo. We hope that the match is good and close. Morale was down. But, it is part of the game and we will be ready for everything.
The team has worked hard since the Olympics. Should the FIH put in strict protocols?
Savita: There is plenty of talk on that (Penalty retake controversy). Everyone knew what should be done and what cannot be done. Players work hard to come here.
What do you want to tell the crowd?
Savita: It is great. I would like to thank the entire India for supporting us. We will do better next time.
