~ Hockey India congratulates the loyal players for their incredible contribution to the sport in the country ~
New Delhi, January 26, 2026: Hockey India congratulated veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh and Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita on being awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Indian hockey and sports in general.
Hockey India underlined the contribution of veteran hockey coach Baldev Singh, who was the driving force behind the establishment of Shahabad Markanda, a hamlet in Haryana, as a nursery for women’s hockey. Under Baldev’s watch, the hockey academy in Shahabad created more than 80 international hockey players, including eight players who would later captain the Indian team.
His guidance not only helped players in their formative days as hockey players but also helped lift the players from poverty to fame, making hockey their livelihood and one of the biggest examples of this is the rise of former India captain Rani.
He led the academy for over two decades, during which numerous stars emerged from his academy, including former drag-flick specialist Sandeep Singh, former Indian women’s team captain Rani, Didar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar Dang, Harpal Singh and Navjot Kaur. For his immense contribution to coaching and player development, Baldev Singh was earlier awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2009.
The Padma Shri award is a fitting recognition for this legendary coach who changed the stereotype surrounding women’s hockey, especially in Haryana.
Another example of breaking stereotypes is Indian top goalkeeper Savita.
She made her international debut at the age of 20 and has since developed into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Known for her composure, consistency and leadership, Savita has been central to India’s resurgence on the world 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 underscoring her remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level.
She also played a crucial 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 globally. Her experience and presence between the posts were also invaluable in qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, for the first time in 36 years, 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 won back-to-back gold medals at the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and 2024, underscoring the team’s growing dominance in Asia.
In recognition of her excellence, Savita was also honored with the Arjuna Award in 2018 and received the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year twice (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).
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India, congratulated the duo and said, “The Padma Shri for Shri Baldev Singh and Savita is a moment of immense pride for the entire hockey fraternity. Savita has redefined the goalkeeping standards in world hockey and has been a star in every sense for the Indian women’s team. Her achievement of over 300 international caps speaks volumes about her dedication and excellence. Baldev Singh’s legacy as a coach is unparalleled – generations of Indian hockey players have done so benefited from his knowledge, discipline and vision.”
Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, 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 dedicated his life to nurturing talent and building Indian hockey from grassroots to the international stage. This honor is well deserved and recognizes decades of selfless service to the sport.”