Savita Punia Becomes India’s Most-Capped Women’s Hockey Player
Savita Punia Reaches Historic 321-Cap Milestone
Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia has entered the history books as the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey.
The veteran goalkeeper reached 321 senior international appearances during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, moving past former India striker Vandana Katariya’s previous record of 320 caps. India won the match 17-1.
Savita had equalled Katariya’s record one day earlier, during India’s 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in their Asian Games opener. Her appearance against Indonesia then took her beyond the mark that had stood since Katariya’s retirement.
Hockey India announced a ₹10 lakh cash reward to recognise the achievement.
Savita Punia’s Journey Began in 2009
Savita, now 36, made her senior international debut in 2009, the same year as Katariya. Over the following 17 years, she established herself as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Indian hockey.
Her career has included appearances at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups, Asian Champions Trophy tournaments and FIH Pro League campaigns. She was also a long-time captain of the Indian women’s team before Salima Tete took over the leadership role.
Savita reached another major landmark in February 2025 when she won her 300th international cap against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. That made her only the second Indian woman after Katariya to reach 300 appearances and the second Indian goalkeeper after PR Sreejesh to achieve the feat.
Savita Punia Has Built a Career of Major Milestones
Known as “The Wall of India”, Savita has earned a reputation for her goalkeeping and performances in high-pressure penalty shoot-outs. Her major achievements include being part of the Indian side that finished fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and winning bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
She has also been named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year three times, in 2020, 2021 and 2023. Her individual honours include the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Padma Shri in 2025.
Her international career has also included Asian Games medals. Savita was part of India’s bronze-medal-winning team at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games and the silver-medal side at Jakarta 2018.
Savita Punia Credits Her Team and Vandana Katariya
Savita’s reaction to the record reflected the team-oriented approach that has defined her career.
“I never thought I would reach this milestone.”
She thanked her family, coaches, teammates and supporters and also acknowledged Katariya, whose 320-cap record she surpassed. Savita described the record as something that belonged not only to her but also to the people who had shared her journey.
Katariya ended her international career in April 2025 with 320 appearances and 158 goals, remaining India’s leading international women’s hockey goalscorer. Her career included a historic Olympic hat-trick at Tokyo 2020.
Savita Punia’s Record Comes During Asian Games Campaign
The milestone arrives while Savita continues to contribute to India’s Asian Games campaign.
India began the tournament with a 19-0 win over Uzbekistan before defeating Indonesia 17-1. The Asian Games are particularly important because the tournament provides a direct qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
For Savita, the record is therefore not simply a career statistic. It represents the longevity of a goalkeeper who has remained part of India’s international setup across multiple generations.
From her debut in 2009 to becoming the country’s most-capped women’s hockey player with 321 appearances, Savita Punia has built a career that combines consistency, longevity and leadership.
And with the LA 2028 qualification pathway still ahead, the record-breaking goalkeeper’s international journey is not over yet.
