Savita Punia becomes most-capped women’s hockey player, Hockey India announces Rs 10 lakh reward

Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia on Monday became the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey, surpassing former striker Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 senior international appearances, as Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh to honour the milestone.

Savita achieved the landmark during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan, adding another significant chapter to a career spanning more than 17 years.

Known as ‘The Wall of India’ for her exceptional shot-stopping ability and composure during penalty shoot-outs, the 36-year-old goalkeeper made her senior international debut in 2009. Since then, she has represented India at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, besides featuring in multiple Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League campaigns.

Savita also served as the long-time captain of the Indian women’s team before Salima Tete took over the leadership role.

She reached 300 international appearances in February 2025 during the FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands, becoming only the second Indian woman after Vandana to achieve the feat and the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to reach the landmark.

Savita equalled Vandana’s record of 320 caps on September 20 during India’s 19-0 win over Uzbekistan in their Asian Games opener before surpassing it against Indonesia on Monday.

Vandana, India’s all-time leading scorer, made her international debut in the same year as Savita and retired in April 2025 after a 16-year career comprising 320 appearances and 158 goals. Her achievements included a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics and the Padma Shri.

“I never thought I would reach this milestone,” Savita said after the match, thanking her family, coaches, teammates and everyone who supported her throughout her career.

She said the record belonged not just to her but also to the teammates who had shared her journey and to Vandana, who had set the previous benchmark.

“My biggest hope now is that the younger generation coming up sees this and believes it’s possible for them too,” she said.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Savita’s longevity and leadership, describing the record as the result of “two decades of discipline and quiet leadership”.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh also congratulated the goalkeeper, saying her journey would inspire young players aspiring to represent India.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games also carry added significance for Indian hockey, with the tournament serving as a direct qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.