India women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia has added a remarkable feat to her name. With a career spanning over 17 years, she has now become the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey history.
Meanwhile, Hockey India has announced a cash prize of INR 10 lakh to honour her achievement.
She achieved this feat during India’s Group B clash against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026, where India registered a dominant 17-1 victory. It was India’s second win of the tournament.
Who is Savita Punia? The most capped India Women Hockey Player
Known as the ‘Wall of India’, Savita Punia has achieved remarkable milestone in her career. After being named in the team for India’s clash against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026, she made her 321st senior international appearance, going past Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 appearances.
Savita made her senior international debut in 2009 and has enjoyed a career spanning over 17 years. She has now become the most capped player in Indian women’s hockey history.
She has also become the third Indian hockey player overall to reach 300 senior international appearances, after Vandana Katariya and PR Sreejesh.
Savita Punia Profile
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Category
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Details
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Sport & Position
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Field Hockey
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Moniker
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The Great Wall of India
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Date of Birth
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July 11, 1990
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Hometown
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Jodhkan, Sirsa, Haryana
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Senior Debut Year
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2009
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Current Role
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Primary Goalkeeper (Former Captain; Salima Tete is current captain)
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All-Time Milestone
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321 International Caps (Most-capped women's hockey player in Indian history)
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Major Career Achievements of Savita Punia
1. Major Team Accomplishments
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Tournament
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Result / Landmark
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Key Contribution
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Tokyo 2020 Olympics
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4th Place
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Denied Australia with 8 saves in a 1–0 Quarterfinal win.
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FIH Hockey World Cup
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2 Appearances (2018, 2022)
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Led India to back-to-back World Cup campaigns.
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Olympic Qualification (2015)
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Ended 36-Yr Drought
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Held off Japan in World League Semi-Finals to reach Rio 2016.
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FIH Nations Cup (Valencia 2022)
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Gold Medal
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Captained India to title victory and Pro League promotion.
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Asia Cup (Gifu 2017)
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Gold Medal
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Saved two crucial penalties in the shootout final vs. China.
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Asian Games (2018, 2014 & 2022)
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Silver / 2× Bronze
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Secured three podium finishes across a 12 year span.
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2. Individual Honors
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Award
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Year(s)
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Padma Shri
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2026
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Arjuna Award (National Sporting Honour)
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2018
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FIH World Goalkeeper of the Year
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2021, 2022, 2023 (3 Consecutive Titles)
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Hockey India Player of the Year
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2022 & 2024
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Savita Punia vs Vandana Katariya: A Comparison Between Two Legendary Hockey Icons
As Savita Punia surpassed Vandana Katariya as India's most-capped women's hockey player, here is the comparison between these two legendary names.
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Parameter
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Savita Punia
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Vandana Katariya
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Primary Role
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Goalkeeper / Shot-stopper
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Forward / Primary Goal-scorer
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Status
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Active
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Retired (April 2025)
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Senior Debut
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2009
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2009
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International Caps
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321 Caps (All-time leader)
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320 Caps (2nd all-time)
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FIH World Cups
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2 Appearances (2018, 2022)
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2 Appearances (2018, 2022)
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As India advances further in the Asian Games 2026, Savita’s role becomes crucial as India looks to finish with the gold medal in the event.