Savita becomes India’s most-capped women’s hockey player during Asian Games Pool B tie in Japan
On September 21, 2026, India goalkeeper Savita became the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games in Japan, surpassing the previous record of 320 senior international appearances.
Savita’s milestone was recognised by Hockey India with a cash reward of ₹10 lakh, the federation said. Nicknamed ‘The Wall of India’ for her shot-stopping and penalty shoot-out record, the 36-year-old made her senior international debut in 2009 and has been a fixture across three Olympic Games, two Asian Games campaigns, the Commonwealth Games and multiple Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League seasons. Over time she served as the team’s long-time captain before the current skipper, Salima Tete, took over.
Savita reached her 300th international cap in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League, becoming only the second Indian woman after Vandana Katariya to cross 300 caps and the second Indian goalkeeper, after PR Sreejesh, to do so. She equalled Vandana’s record of 320 caps on September 20, 2026, in India’s 19-0 win over Uzbekistan in the Asian Games opener, before going past it on Monday.
Her individual honours include three FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards (2020, 2021, 2023). She was vice-captain of the India side that finished fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was part of the team that finished fifth at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, captained India to the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze with a match-winning penalty shoot-out performance, and led India to the inaugural FIH Nations Cup title in 2022.
Savita’s national honours listed in Hockey India’s release include the Arjuna Award (2018) and the Padma Shri (2025). Domestically, she has won the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015 and 2024 and the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
The record Savita surpassed was held by Vandana Katariya, India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, who retired in April 2025 after 320 caps and 158 goals across a 16-year career that began in 2009 and included an Olympic hat-trick at Tokyo and the Padma Shri.
After the match Savita said, “I want to start by saying thank you—to my family, my coaches, my teammates, and every single person who has stood behind me since I was a young girl learning to save my first penalty corner. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this milestone.” Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey commented, “Savita’s record is a testament to two decades of discipline and quiet leadership. She has been the backbone of this team, and today’s milestone is thoroughly deserved.” Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “On behalf of Hockey India, congratulations to Savita on this historic achievement. Her journey is an inspiration for every young goalkeeper dreaming of wearing the India jersey.”
India’s women’s hockey team remains in Aichi-Nagoya for the 2026 Asian Games, which also serves as a direct qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.