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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 told PTI.
"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."