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| Saba receiving Padma Shri from President |
Former Indian captain Saba Anjum who was one of the most prominent forwards and represented India during the Asian Games in 2002, Asia Cup in 2004, Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2006, and Junior World Cup in 2001 today received one of the most prestegious award Padma Shri from Indian president Saba has to her credit of being a part of the team which won the bronze at 2006 Doha Asian Games. Saba Anjum earlier has received Arjuna award in year 2013.
She made it to the national squad in 2000 with the U-18 AHF Cup and consistently maintained her position as a good forward striker. She was elevated as skipper of the women’s squad in 2011 and during her 15-year-long international career, she scored 92 goals in 200 matches.
Congratulating Saba Anjum, Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India said, “Hockey India is proud of Saba Anjum for being conferred with the Padma Shri Award today. She has contributed a lot to the women’s team and was considered one of the most prominent forward players in the world of Hockey. We are very delighted to see players being conferred the Padma Shri Awards this year and Hockey India takes pride in congratulating both Sardar Singh and Saba Anjum for their achievements.”
A very proud Saba Anjum said, “It is a great honour for me as well as Indian Women Hockey. We are very grateful to the Government of India for recognising the efforts of Women Hockey in this country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hockey India for giving me the support which always boosted my confidence.”
Saba is also known for striking six goals including the winning one in the final of Lal Bahadur Shastri Cup 2007 and went on to being the player of the tournament in the series. She was conferred with the Chhattisgarh’s top Gundadhur Sports Award for bring honour to her state in the field of sports.
