Goalkeeper Savita Punia of India has broken Vandana Katariya’s record to become the most capped Indian women’s hockey player by playing 321 international matches in her career. Savita set the record during Pool B match between India and Indonesia at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Hockey India congratulated the experienced goalkeeper and presented her a ₹10 lakh reward for breaking the record. The 36-year-old, who made her senior international debut in 2009, has played in many international competitions for India, including three Olympics and two Asian Games.
Savita Punia Breaks 320-Cap Record
Savita equalled Vandana Katariya’s 320-cap record on September 20, 2026, when India defeated Uzbekistan 19-0 in their opening game of the Asian Games.
She then broke the record during the match against Indonesia, setting a new record in Indian women’s hockey.
- Player :Savita Punia
- Sport: Hockey
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Senior debut: 2009
- Previous record: Vandana Katariya – 320 caps
- New record: 321+ caps
- Reward: ₹10 lakh
- Asian Games: Aichi-Nagoya 2026
₹10 Lakh Prize for Savita from Hockey India
The Hockey India organisation has offered ₹10 lakh prize money for acknowledging Savita’s success.
Speaking about her success, the president of the Hockey India organisation, Dilip Tirkey, commended her longevity and leadership skills and called this achievement a culmination of many years of service and dedication.
Bhola Nath Singh, the Secretary General of the Hockey India organisation, also offered his congratulations to Savita.
International Career of Savita Punia
In 2009, Savita made her first international appearance as a senior player and she has now become one of the most experienced players in the Indian women’s team.
She played for India in,
- Three Olympics
- Two Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Asian Champions Trophy
- FIH Hockey Pro League
She was also the captain of the Indian women’s team for many years before Salima Tete replaced her in the captaincy.
Savita got her 300th international cap in February 2025 against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League. She is the second Indian woman after Vandana Katariya to make 300 caps and the second Indian goal keeper after PR Sreejesh to make the milestone.
Records Held by Vandana Katariya
The record was previously held by Vandana Katariya with 320 senior international matches played. Her senior debut was in 2009, and she retired in April 2025.
Throughout her career, Vandana has managed to score 158 international goals, thus becoming the leading international goal-scorer in India.
Among other accomplishments are the feat of scoring an Olympic hat-trick in the Tokyo Games and being honored with the Padma Shri.
Savita is Inspired to Motivate Others
On achieving this record, Savita expressed gratitude to her family, coaches, teammates and her fans.
According to her, she first had an aim of qualifying for the national team and making her family proud without even thinking about breaking the record of becoming the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player.
Savita also acknowledged her teammates and Vandana for laying the benchmarks and wished that her success will motivate other young players to chase their dreams.
Smriti Mandhana Becomes Highest Women’...
Asian Games 2026 Day 2: India’s Medal ...
Suchika Tariyal Wins Historic MMA Bronze...
