'The Wall of India' breaks record: Savita Punia becomes India women's hockey's most-capped player, gets Rs 10 lakh reward
Savita Punia has etched her name into Indian hockey history , becoming the most-capped player in the history of the women’s national team. The veteran goalkeeper surpassed former India striker Vandana Katariya ’s record of 320 senior international appearances during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games in Japan, prompting Hockey India to announce a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh.
Hockey India on Monday hailed Savita’s milestone as a testament to “two decades of discipline and leadership”, recognising the 36-year-old’s enduring contribution to the team.
‘The Wall of India’ reaches a historic milestone
Known as ‘The Wall of India’ for her outstanding shot-stopping ability and composure in penalty shoot-outs, Savita made her senior international debut in 2009. Over the years, she has become one of the most dependable figures in Indian women’s hockey, featuring at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, and several Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League campaigns.
She also served as captain of the Indian women’s team before Salima Tete took over the role.
Savita reached her 300th international appearance in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. She became only the second Indian woman, after Vandana, to reach the milestone, and the second Indian goalkeeper, after PR Sreejesh, to do so.
Savita surpasses Vandana Katariya’s record
Savita equalled Vandana’s record of 320 appearances on September 20, 2026, during India’s 19-0 win over Uzbekistan in their Asian Games opener. She then moved past the mark in Monday’s match against Indonesia.
Vandana, India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, made her international debut in the same year as Savita and retired in April 2025 after 320 appearances and 158 goals. Her career included a historic Olympic hat-trick at the Tokyo Games and the Padma Shri.
‘This record doesn’t belong to me alone’: Savita
Reflecting on the achievement, Savita thanked her family, coaches, teammates and everyone who supported her throughout her career.
“I want to start by saying thank you, to my family, my coaches, my teammates and every single person who has stood behind me since I was a young girl learning to save my first penalty corner. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this milestone,” she said.
Savita added that the record was shared with those who had been part of her journey, including Vandana, whose achievement had set a benchmark for Indian hockey.
“This record doesn’t belong to me alone, it belongs to everyone who has played alongside me, and to Vandana too, because she set the bar and pushed all of us to reach higher,” she said.
She also expressed hope that her achievement would encourage young players to keep working towards their dreams and represent India.
Hockey India lauds Savita’s leadership and longevity
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Savita’s consistency and leadership, saying her achievement reflected years of dedication to the sport.
“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,” Tirkey said.
Hockey India on Monday hailed Savita’s milestone as a testament to “two decades of discipline and leadership”, recognising the 36-year-old’s enduring contribution to the team.
‘The Wall of India’ reaches a historic milestone
Known as ‘The Wall of India’ for her outstanding shot-stopping ability and composure in penalty shoot-outs, Savita made her senior international debut in 2009. Over the years, she has become one of the most dependable figures in Indian women’s hockey, featuring at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, and several Asian Champions Trophy and FIH Pro League campaigns.
She also served as captain of the Indian women’s team before Salima Tete took over the role.
Savita reached her 300th international appearance in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. She became only the second Indian woman, after Vandana, to reach the milestone, and the second Indian goalkeeper, after PR Sreejesh, to do so.
Savita surpasses Vandana Katariya’s record
Vandana, India’s all-time leading goal-scorer, made her international debut in the same year as Savita and retired in April 2025 after 320 appearances and 158 goals. Her career included a historic Olympic hat-trick at the Tokyo Games and the Padma Shri.
‘This record doesn’t belong to me alone’: Savita
Reflecting on the achievement, Savita thanked her family, coaches, teammates and everyone who supported her throughout her career.
“I want to start by saying thank you, to my family, my coaches, my teammates and every single person who has stood behind me since I was a young girl learning to save my first penalty corner. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this milestone,” she said.
Savita added that the record was shared with those who had been part of her journey, including Vandana, whose achievement had set a benchmark for Indian hockey.
“This record doesn’t belong to me alone, it belongs to everyone who has played alongside me, and to Vandana too, because she set the bar and pushed all of us to reach higher,” she said.
She also expressed hope that her achievement would encourage young players to keep working towards their dreams and represent India.
Hockey India lauds Savita’s leadership and longevity
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey praised Savita’s consistency and leadership, saying her achievement reflected years of dedication to the sport.
“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,” Tirkey said.
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