India’s women’s hockey team has found a new belief in itself, veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia said after the side finished fifth at the ongoing World Cup, their best result in more than five decades. The result marked a strong turnaround for India, who had failed to make the cut for the Paris Olympics 2024 and also had a tearful exit from the semi-final race at the recently-concluded World Cup here.The experienced Savita, who has 319 international caps, says the biggest change is not merely in the results but in the atmosphere inside the dressing room."After the arrival of coach Sjoerd Marijne and all the new support staff, we decided to have fun, laugh, talk and chat off the field. It wasn't like this before," said Savita, who is one cap away from equalling India's record for most international appearances."We kept our thoughts to ourselves, but today every player speaks very openly to each other. Whatever I feel , I can frankly tell the team."The coaching staff has created such an environment that we feel a deep sense of doing our best. It's visible in the eyes, in the workouts and in the practice of all the players." After missing the last-four following their goalless draw to Australia, India defeated higher-ranked Germany 3-1 to finish fifth — their best result since 1974.Savita's emotional reaction in the dugout after missing the semis berth became one of the most viral images of the tournament.She cried again after the match against Germany."Standing behind the goalpost, I was thinking that if I had played even 50 per cent of the hockey I played against Germany against Australia, we would have reached the semi-finals," she said."That day I cried out of sadness, but today it was tears of joy. I received many messages saying that it…
This report has been adapted by the PurePlay Sports Desk from coverage by The Hindu Sportstar, The Bridge.