Following a historic World Cup campaign, Indian hockey stalwart Savita Punia has issued an emotional plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent government intervention to sustain the Women’s Hockey India League.

Facing severe financial headwinds, the premier domestic competition is fighting for survival. Punia stressed that the tournament remains an indispensable proving ground for nurturing emerging grassroots talent and securing India’s international competitive edge.

Without immediate structural and financial backing, she warned, the nation's rising pipeline of champions risks being extinguished.