[Watch] Savita Punia teaches hockey basics to cricketer Smriti Mandhana
In an unexpected crossover of sports, Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia taught the basics of hockey to Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. This unique interaction took place on the show "Sports Swap" hosted by Jio Cinema, where athletes from different sports explore and learn each other's games.
The episode showcases an engaging exchange of skills and experiences between the two athletes. Savita Punia introduced Smriti Mandhana to the fundamentals of hockey. Despite being a seasoned left-handed batter in cricket, Mandhana initially found it challenging to adapt to the right-handed grip required for handling a hockey stick.
During their session, Mandhana took the opportunity to congratulate Savita Punia on being named the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, an honor she received in December 2023. The camaraderie and mutual respect between the two athletes were evident as they shared stories and insights from their respective sports.
Their paths previously crossed during the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. Savita Punia played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for the Indian hockey team, while Smriti Mandhana was instrumental in leading the Indian cricket team to a gold medal victory.
Did the Indian women’s hockey team qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024?
Unfortunately, the Indian women’s hockey team did not qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024. The team's hopes were dashed in January 2024 when they lost to Japan 0-1 in the bronze medal match of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers.
According to IOC rules, only the top three teams from the tournament earn a spot at the Olympics. This unexpected outcome was a significant setback for the team, especially after successful qualifications in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Looking ahead, the Indian women’s hockey team will focus on three major tournaments in 2026: the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the World Cup. The Asian Games in Nagoya hold particular importance, as winning a gold medal there would secure automatic qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.