Savita Punia becomes most-capped women’s player, Hockey India announces Rs 10 lakh reward
Hockey India on Monday congratulated goalkeeper Savita Punia on becoming the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey and announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for the veteran.
Savita surpassed former India striker Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 senior international appearances during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan.
Known as ‘The Wall of India’ for her shot-stopping abilities and performances in penalty shoot-outs, the 36-year-old Savita made her senior international debut in 2009.
Since then, she has represented India at three Olympic Games and two Asian Games, besides competing at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League. She also served as the long-time captain of the Indian women’s team before Salima Tete took over.
Savita reached her 300th international cap in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. She became only the second Indian woman after Vandana to reach the milestone and the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to do so.
She equalled Vandana’s record of 320 caps on September 20, 2026, during India’s 19-0 win over Uzbekistan in their Asian Games opener before surpassing it against Indonesia.
Vandana, India’s leading international goal-scorer, made her senior debut in 2009 and retired in April 2025 with 320 caps and 158 goals. Her career included a historic Olympic hat-trick at the Tokyo Games and the Padma Shri.
Speaking after the match, Savita thanked her family, coaches, teammates and supporters for helping her reach the milestone.
“I never thought I would reach this milestone. When I started, I was just trying to earn my place in the team and make my family proud. I never imagined I would one day be called the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey,” she said.
Savita also credited her teammates and Vandana for setting a benchmark and said she hoped the achievement would inspire younger players to pursue their ambitions in Indian hockey.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Savita’s longevity and leadership, describing the record as a testament to “two decades of discipline and quiet leadership”.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also congratulated Savita, saying her journey was an inspiration for young goalkeepers aspiring to represent India.
India’s women’s hockey team is continuing its campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which also serves as a qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
