'Need to stay fully focused': Savita on Asian Games women's hockey title clash
Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia discusses the focus needed for the Asian Games gold medal clash against China and the goal of LA 2028 qualification.
Veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia has emphasized the absolute necessity of concentration as the Indian women's hockey team prepares to face China in the Asian Games gold medal match. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the heartbreak of the 2018 final, Savita highlighted that the squad is prioritizing discipline to ensure they don't repeat past mistakes.
Learning from the 2018 heartbreak
For Savita, this upcoming final is more than just a match; it is a chance to rectify the lapses of the past. She admitted that during the 2018 tournament, the team struggled to maintain the required intensity leading up to the final.
"When we played the final in 2018—when we reached the final—we gave our team the message that after reaching the final, how important it is to prepare yourself for it," Savita explained. She noted that the team lacked the necessary focus during their stay in the athletes' village back then. "To be honest, we were not as focused as one should be for a final. So, this is what we have been telling our team since yesterday, and even throughout the tournament. We told the team that we have to go match by match."
Mentoring the next generation
As a seasoned veteran playing in her fourth Asian Games, Savita is playing a crucial role in guiding the younger members of the squad. The senior players are actively working to instill the values of discipline and mental toughness in the newcomers to ensure the team remains composed under pressure.
"We celebrated reaching the final last night, but right now, we need to stay fully focused for the final. The same discipline and focus are needed because it is very important for the players who are here for the first time," she added. "How we guide them based on the experience we have gained and the positive things we noticed..."
The ultimate prize: LA 2028 Olympic Qualification
The stakes for Friday's clash at 3:30 PM IST are incredibly high. Beyond the prestige of winning the gold medal—India's first since the inaugural 1982 tournament—the winner secures a direct qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. For the Indian team, this would bypass a grueling year and a half of qualification preparations.
Following a strong run that included winning the FIH Nations Cup and a fifth-place finish at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, the team is more prepared than ever. Savita believes the squad's ambition has shifted from merely reaching the podium to securing history.
"For us as hockey players, qualifying directly for the LA Olympics saves us a year and a half of qualification preparation, allowing us to focus directly on LA. That is our main target. I think the team is disciplined, focused, and everyone is ready for it," Savita concluded.