‘Jobless goalie’ Savita hopes win ends 9year wait

India goalkeeper Savita Punia has received many accolades for her on-field heroics but she could not secure a job for herself despite all the success in a nine-year international career.

Last Sunday, Savita produced a stunning save in a tense shootout in the thrilling final against China to help India win the Asia Cup women’s hockey title and secure a berth in next year’s World Cup. The team broke a 13-year-old jinx when Savita foiled an attempt from the rivals to ensure a 5-4 win. India had failed to qualify for the last World Cup and finished ninth in the 2010 edition. “I am very happy that I could contribute in team’s win. I work harder to bring more laurels and will not let my unemployment affect my game,” Savita said after team’s return from Japan.

OFFICIAL APATHY

“I have been trying for a job for the last nine years. I was promised a job under the Haryana Government’s ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme, but I have only been given assurances by officers.

“I am 27 now and still depend on my father’s income. I am playing for my country for last 9 years and every time after a win, I hope to get a job but nothing changes.”

Savita, who hails from Hisar, made her international debut in 2008 and has just completed 150 caps in Asia Cup.

She started playing Hockey as per the wish of her grandfather Mahinder Singh and starred in India’s bronze medal effort in Junior Asia Cup in 2009.