Savita Punia has made history by becoming the most-capped Indian woman hockey player, surpassing the previous record held by Vandana Kataria.
Hockey India recognized this remarkable achievement on September 21, 2026, praising Savita for her nearly two decades of dedication, hard work, and leadership. In honor of her accomplishment, the organization announced a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
Savita broke Vandana Kataria’s record of 320 senior international matches during India’s pool B match against Indonesia at the ongoing in Japan. Known as “The Wall of India,” the 36-year-old goalkeeper has been instrumental in the sport, showcasing her skills in open play and during penalty shootouts. She made her senior international debut in 2009 and has participated in three Olympics, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Pro League.
Starting her career as a young and talented goalkeeper, Savita evolved into one of the most reliable players on the Indian women’s . She captained the team for a significant period before handing over the reins to Salima Tete. Despite this transition, Savita remains a crucial pillar of the squad.
In February 2025, Savita played her 300th international match against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve this milestone after Vandana. On September 20, 2026, during the of the Asian Games against Uzbekistan, she equaled Vandana’s record before surpassing it just days later.
Vandana Kataria, who debuted alongside Savita in 2009, played 320 matches and scored 158 goals before retiring from international hockey in April 2025. Her illustrious career included a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics, earning her the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Indian government.
After the match against Indonesia, Savita expressed her gratitude, saying, “I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me since I was a little girl learning to stop my first penalty corner. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this milestone.” She added, “When I started, I just wanted to secure my place on the team and make my family proud. I never imagined being called the player with the most matches in Indian women’s hockey history. This record isn’t just mine; it’s for everyone who has played with me, including Vandana, who set a standard that inspired us all.”
Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, praised Savita’s long career, stating, “Her record is a testament to two decades of discipline and calm leadership. She has been the backbone of this team, and this achievement is well-deserved.” Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, congratulated Savita on her historic milestone, emphasizing her journey as an inspiration for young goalkeepers dreaming of donning the Indian jersey.