Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia made history on 21 September 2026 and became the most capped player in Indian women’s hockey history. The veteran goalkeeper reached this status on India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Savita broke the long-standing record of 320 senior international appearances, previously held by former India striker Vandana Katariya. It is another great achievement in a career that has now extended to 17 years and which has seen Savita become one of the most well-known figures in Indian women’s hockey.
She has built her profile as the world's "Wall of India" goalkeeper with her shot stopping, consistency and performance in the most demanding situations. She has won many international honours in international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, FIH Hockey World Cups, Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League competitions.
Savita made her senior international debut for India in 2009. She is now a key member of the national team and was also captain before the leadership role was taken over by Salima Tete.
Her journey to the record-setting 321st appearance was also significant. Savita got her 300th international cap in February 2025 during India's FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands. She became the second Indian woman, after Vandana Katariya, to make 300 senior international appearances. She was also the second Indian goalkeeper to achieve this after former men’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Savita equalled Vandana’s record of 320 caps on September 20, 2026, when India began its Asian Games campaign with a commanding 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan. She then surpassed Vandana’s mark the following day against Indonesia and officially became India’s most-capped women’s hockey player.
Her record-breaking career has also earned her numerous individual and team medals. Savita was also named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year three times, in 2020, 2021 and 2023, with the Indian team who won fourth place in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics; one of the best ever performances of the country’s women's hockey team at the Games.
She was integral to India’s bronze medal campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and her penalty shoot-out performance helped India win the medal. Savita also captained India to their first FIH Nations Cup title in 2022.
She has been awarded the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Padma Shri in 2025, as well as her contribution to Indian sport. She has also won Hockey India awards such as Goalkeeper of the Year and Player of the Year.
After the record, Savita thanked her family, coaches, teammates and supporters for helping her continue with such a long international career. She also thanked Vandana Katariya, whose 320-cap record she surpassed.
Savita said that it wasn’t her achievement alone and that Vandana’s record was a reference and motivator for young players to go in the direction that they wanted to go. She also expressed hope that this achievement would inspire younger players, and goalkeepers, to aspire to achieve the same level of success in Indian hockey.
Hockey India also announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh to honour Savita’s historic achievement. Dilip Tirkey of Hockey India hailed her longevity and leadership while Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh praised the goalkeeper and said her story would be an inspiration for young goalkeepers.
Savita’s accomplishment comes at an important time for Indian women’s hockey. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 campaign is not only a chance for India to win a continental medal but also a pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In addition to the more than 320 international appearances to her belt, Savita Punia has added a new landmark to an already storied career. This reflects a long time of consistency, longevity and dedication to the Indian jersey for her, so much so that her achievements are still an important part of the development of women’s hockey in the country.
