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Savita Punia Sets Indian Women’s Hockey Caps Record
Savita Punia is a goalkeeper who plays hockey for India.
She has now played more international matches for India than any other Indian women’s hockey player.
She reached 321 matches during a 17-1 win against Indonesia.
The old record belonged to Vandana Katariya, who played 320 matches.
Savita has played for India since 2009.
She is known for making important saves and stopping penalty shots.
Hockey India gave her a reward of Rs 10 lakh.
Savita said her success also belonged to her family, coaches, teammates and supporters.
Savita Punia became India’s most-capped women’s hockey player with 321 senior international appearances.
She surpassed Vandana Katariya’s previous record of 320 caps during India’s 17-1 win over Indonesia.
Hockey India announced a Rs 10 lakh cash reward for the 36-year-old goalkeeper.
Savita made her senior international debut in 2009 and has played at three Olympic Games and two Asian Games.
The milestone came as India continued its Asian Games campaign, which offers a pathway to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualification.
- Who
- Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia, with Hockey India recognizing her achievement.
- What
- She became the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey with 321 senior international appearances.
- Where
- During the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in India’s match against Indonesia.
- When
- September 21, 2026, after equalling the record on September 20.
- Why
- She surpassed Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 appearances through her continued international career.
Key facts
- New record
- Savita Punia reached 321 senior international caps.
- Previous record
- Vandana Katariya held the record with 320 appearances.
- Milestone match
- India defeated Indonesia 17-1 in a Pool B match.
- Reward
- Hockey India announced a Rs 10 lakh cash reward.
- International debut
- Savita made her senior international debut in 2009.
- Major tournaments
- She has represented India at three Olympic Games and two Asian Games.
- Previous milestone
- Savita reached 300 caps during an FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands in February 2025.
Quotes
Savita Punia
Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper and record international appearance holder
“Savita’s record is a testament to two decades of discipline and quiet leadership. She has been the backbone of this team, and today’s milestone is thoroughly deserved”
thestatesman.com
“I never imagined I would one day be called the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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