Savita Punia Sets Record as India's Most-Capped Women's Hockey Player

Key facts

• India goalkeeper Savita Punia became the most-capped player in Indian women's hockey history, surpassing Vandana Katariya's record of 320 senior international appearances.
• Savita achieved the milestone during India's Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games in Japan, and Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh.
• The 36-year-old made her senior international debut in 2009 and has represented India at three Olympic Games and two Asian Games.
• Savita completed 300 international appearances in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League and drew level with Vandana's 320-cap record on September 20, 2026, in India's 19-0 win over Uzbekistan.
• Her career highlights include three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year (2020, 2021, 2023), vice-captain of India's fourth-placed Tokyo 2020 Olympics team, Arjuna Award (2018) and Padma Shri (2025).
• Vandana Katariya retired in April 2025 after 320 appearances and 158 goals in a 16-year career, including a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics.
• The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games women's hockey campaign serves as a direct qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.