New Delhi, June 23 -- Padma Shri awardee and Indian hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia expressed happiness and pride over her journey in hockey, recalling how she was once afraid to step out of her house and viewed playing the sport as an impossible dream. She described visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan with her family as a deeply meaningful moment.

Savita emphasised the importance of the FIH Pro League as ideal preparation against the world's best teams and voiced confidence about India's prospects at the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's World Cup. With India placed in a favourable pool, she said the team is aiming higher than previous podium finishes and will be targeting the gold medal.

President Droupadi Murmu will present the prestigious honour t...