Hockey India Applauds Savita Punia, Baldev Singh on Padma Shri Recognition

Hockey India extended its warmest congratulations to Indian women's hockey stalwart Savita and former India international Baldev Singh on being conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award, recognising their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey and sport at large.

A stalwart of Indian hockey, Savita made her senior international debut at the age of 20 and has since established herself as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. Renowned for her composure, consistency and leadership, Savita has been at the heart of India's resurgence on the global stage over the past decade.

In 2025, she also became only the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to complete 300 international caps, joining an elite club and underlining her remarkable

longevity and consistency at the highest level.

She also played a pivotal role in India's historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a landmark campaign that elevated the stature of Indian women's hockey worldwide. Her experience and presence between the posts were also invaluable during the Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2018 Hockey Women's World Cup, where India reached the Quarter-Finals.

A former captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, Savita led the side to several memorable achievements, including a Bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a title-winning campaign at the FIH Nations Cup. With her help, India also clinched back-to-back Gold medals at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and 2024, underlining the team's growing dominance in Asia.

In recognition of her excellence, Savita was also honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2018 and is a two-time recipient of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year (2022, 2023). Her brilliance between the posts has also earned her the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for three consecutive seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23).

Meanwhile, Baldev Singh, a former Indian international, has been recognised for his extraordinary service to the sport both as a player and a coach. He represented India at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and featured in three Hockey World Cups - Barcelona in 1971, where India won the Bronze medal; Amsterdam in 1973, where the team finished with the Silver medal; and Buenos Aires in 1978. He was also part of the Indian squads that won Silver medals at the Asian Games in 1970 and 1974.

Following his playing career, Baldev Singh emerged as one of the most influential coaches in Indian hockey, shaping the international careers of numerous players, many of whom went on to represent India at the highest level. Among his most prominent proteges are Olympic medallist and former drag-flick specialist Sandeep Singh, former Indian Women's Team Captain Rani Rampal, along with Didar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Dang, Harpal Singh and Navjot Kaur.

For his immense contribution to coaching and player development, he was earlier conferred with the Dronacharya Award in 2009.

Congratulating the duo, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, "The Padma Shri for Savita and Shri Baldev Singh is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey fraternity. Savita has redefined goalkeeping standards in world hockey and has been a star in every sense for the Indian women's team. Her achievement of more than 300 international caps speaks volumes about her dedication and excellence. Baldev Singh's legacy as a player and a coach is unparalleled - generations of Indian hockey players have benefited from his knowledge, discipline and vision. "

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, "Savita's journey reflects the power of dedication and perseverance, and her achievements continue to inspire young athletes across the country. Baldev Singh has devoted his life to nurturing talent and building Indian hockey from the grassroots to the international stage. This honour is richly deserved and recognises decades of selfless service to the sport. "