Savita Punia becomes India’s most-capped woman’s hockey player
Savita Punia became India’s most-capped women’s hockey player during India’s Pool B fixture against Indonesia at the Asian Games in Japan on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 320 senior international appearances held by Vandana Katariya. Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh in recognition of the milestone.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper, nicknamed 'The Wall of India', made her senior international debut in 2009 and has been noted for her shot-stopping in open play and calm in penalty shoot-outs. She has featured across three Olympic Games, two Asian Games campaigns, the Commonwealth Games and multiple Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League seasons. Savita served as a long-time captain of the India women’s team before the current skipper, Salima Tete, assumed the role.
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 to cross 300 caps and the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to reach that mark. 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 and then went past it during the Indonesia match.
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 and was part of the team that finished fifth at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026—the best finish in 52 years. Savita also captained India to the bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, sealing that victory with a match-winning penalty shoot-out performance, and led India to the inaugural FIH Nations Cup title in 2022.
Savita’s national awards and recognitions listed by Hockey India include the Arjuna Award (2018) and the Padma Shri (2025). Domestically she has received 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 has surpassed was set by Vandana Katariya, who also debuted in 2009 and retired in April 2025 after 320 caps and 158 goals across a 16-year career that included an Olympic hat-trick at the Tokyo Games and the Padma Shri. Vandana finished as India’s all-time leading goal-scorer before her retirement.
Reflecting on the milestone, 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.” She added, “This game has given me everything, and I will keep giving back to it for as long as I can.”
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “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 said, “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 continues its campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which also serves as a direct qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
