Top 10 Indian women’s hockey players by international appearances
Khel Now published a ranked list on its website on September 21, 2026 identifying the top 10 Indian women’s hockey players by number of international appearances.
The article frames the list within the broader progress of Indian women’s hockey, referencing earlier failures to qualify for the Olympics and the fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as part of the team’s recent history. It notes players’ transition from debutants to senior leaders and states the list is accurate as of September 21, 2026.
Jharkhand midfielder Nikki Pradhan is listed with 214 appearances for India; the 32-year-old is described as a steady presence in midfield and as having been part of what the article calls a historic fourth-place finish at the Rio Olympics.
Forward Navneet Kaur is recorded with 219 caps and credited as the Women’s FIH World Cup 2026 top scorer with four goals; the 32-year-old is also identified as a member of India’s silver-medal side at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games. Surinder Kaur appears with 229 international appearances, is noted as an Arjuna Awardee, the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup gold medallist and placed sixth on the list.
Midfielder Monika Malik has played 187 matches for India, is described as part of the 2014 Asian Games bronze-medal squad and an Arjuna Awardee, with the article adding that she "would look to give her best in the upcoming tournament." Ritu Rani is described as one of the youngest-ever captains, having been in the national squad from age 14 and having led the side to the 2014 Asian Games bronze medal.
Rani Rampal is listed with 254 appearances; the article states she was the youngest player in India’s squad at the 2010 World Cup at age 15, that she was recently dropped from the World Cup squad and is yet to find her place in the team, and that she retired from international hockey in 2024. Sushila Chanu is recorded with 270 caps, is identified as the only player from Manipur in the Tokyo Olympics squad, and the article notes she entered the 250+ caps club during the FIH Pro League in 2024 and received the Arjuna Award in 2023, including making two appearances at the Asian Games 2026.
Deep Grace Ekka is described as having played a role in India’s bronze at the Commonwealth Games 2022, having been recommended for the Arjuna Award in 2022, serving as a long-time vice-captain, and announcing her retirement from international hockey on 15 January 2024. Vandana Katariya is listed with 320 matches and 158 goals, is cited as a recipient of the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri, and is said to have been the top goal-scorer for India in the 2013 Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup before announcing her retirement in April 2025. Savita Punia is identified as the starting goalkeeper, described as the "Great Wall of India" for her 2020 Tokyo Olympics performance, an Arjuna Award recipient, and the most-capped Indian woman’s player after making her 321st appearance against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026.
The piece reiterates that the rankings and figures are accurate as of September 21, 2026, and directs readers to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App, and join its communities on Whatsapp & Telegram for further updates.