Savita Punia Becomes Most-Capped Indian Women’s Hockey Player

Kakamigahara, Japan: India goalkeeper Savita Punia has become the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey, crossing the landmark 320 international appearances held by former striker Vandana Katariya during India’s 17-1 win over Indonesia at the Asian Games on Monday.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper made her 321st senior international appearance in the Pool B match, adding another milestone to a career spanning nearly two decades. Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for Savita in recognition of the achievement.

Known as ‘The Wall of India’, Savita has built a reputation for her performances in goal, particularly during penalty shoot-outs. She made her senior international debut in 2009 and has since represented India at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, Asian Champions Trophy competitions and multiple FIH Pro League seasons.

Her record-breaking appearance came just a day after she equalled Katariya’s 320-cap record during India’s 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the Asian Games opener.

Savita had earlier crossed the 300-cap mark in February 2025 during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands. She became only the second Indian woman after Katariya to reach 300 international appearances and the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to achieve the feat.

Her career has also been marked by major international achievements. She was vice-captain of the Indian team that finished fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and captained the side to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India won the medal after a penalty shoot-out.

Savita also led India to its inaugural FIH Nations Cup title in 2022. She has been named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year three times, in 2020, 2021 and 2023, and has received the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Padma Shri in 2025.

Her other honours include 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 previously belonged to Katariya, India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, who also made her international debut in 2009. She retired in April 2025 after 320 appearances and 158 goals in a 16-year career that included a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics and the Padma Shri.

Speaking after the milestone, Savita credited her family, coaches, teammates and supporters for her journey and acknowledged Katariya’s contribution to Indian hockey.

She said the record was not hers alone, but belonged to everyone who had played alongside her, while also expressing hope that the achievement would inspire young players to believe that they too could reach the highest levels of the sport.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey described the milestone as a reflection of Savita’s long career and leadership, while Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh congratulated her and said her journey would inspire young goalkeepers aspiring to represent India.

India’s women’s hockey team is continuing its campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, where the tournament also serves as a qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.