Performing dual role of captain and hockey goalkeeper requires a different mindset: Savita

Speaking about the dual responsibilities, Savita said, "The position of goalkeeper is a different responsibility. As an experienced goalkeeper, I always train with the mind-set that I have to help the team. As a captain, your responsibility increases because you have to take care of your game and also manage the performance of your team." Savita led Indian in the debut season of the FIH Pro League 2021/22 where the team finished third.

She also led the team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games where India beat New Zealand 1-1 (2-1 SO) to win bronze. "It is possible that someday your team might not be performing well, so you have to motivate them as a captain. But working under chief coach Janneke Schopman, we are able to divide the responsibilities among ourselves, so I feel it has helped me play freely, without feeling the pressure," added Savita.

Savita also expressed her gratitude at being nominated for the FIH Women's Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2021-22, and said she feels she is moving in the right direction. Savita, who had won the award in the same category in the previous edition, said that the support from her teammates and coaching staff has proven to be helpful. "I feel quite good about being nominated in consecutive years.

We continued to train hard after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for the entire year. Getting a nomination again makes me feel that I am moving in the right direction in training," said Savita. "The coaching staff and the players have been quite supportive.

We have always worked together in every competition. No achievement is an individual achievement for any of us, but the result of team efforts. As a goalkeeper, my job is to ensure my team feels happy with my performance and we all strive