Delighted that her services to hockey were recognised with an Arjuna award, the veteran forward, however, thinks glory came her way a trifle late in her career.
NEW DELHI: Delighted that her services to hockey were recognised with an Arjuna award, veteran forward Jyoti Sunita Kullu, however, thinks the glory came her way a trifle late in her career.
The former India captain, who led the country to an Asian Games bronze at Doha and was part of the silver medal winning team at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games last year, however, said the award would inspire scores of tribal girls who pursue hockey in her home state of Orissa.
"I am happy to get the award. But, I feel it came late. It should have come earlier," Jyoti said.
"The award would motivate a lot of girls to play hockey in my state Orissa. Now more help should come for these players and they should get better facilities to improve in their careers," she added.
The fact that she would receive the award from the country's first woman President on August 29 was another reason to celebrate for Jyoti.
"I am delighted that I will receive the award from Pratibha Patil, the first woman President of India. It is a great honour for me."
A veteran of 179 international matches, Jyoti won her national jersey in 1996 for the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup. The 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games gold, 2003 Afro-Asian Games gold, Asia Cup title in 2004, 1998 Bangkok Asian Games silver and Champions Challenge bronze in 2002 are her prominent achievements.
Getting ready for a surgery on August 20 after missing out on a couple of international tournaments due to nagging health problems, Jyoti said she hoped to be back in action before the crucial Olympic qualifiers next year.
"I am confident of making a comeback before the Olympic qualifiers as there is a lot of time left," she said.
About Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Chak De India' -- the latest craze in Indian hockey these days -- Jyoti is as ecstatic as her fellow players and thinks the movie could revive the dipping popularity of the women's game.
"I am eager to watch the movie as it is about hockey. But I cannot go to a theatre. I have to watch it on DVD.
"Hopefully, it will be a hit and do a world of good for hockey," she said.
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