Savita Punia, Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper, achieved a remarkable milestone on Monday, February 24, earning her 300th international cap during India’s FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match against the Netherlands at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. With this achievement, she became only the second Indian woman, after Vandana Katariya, to reach 300 international appearances. Additionally, she became only the second Indian goalkeeper—male or female—to attain this feat, following PR Sreejesh.
A stalwart of Indian hockey, Savita made her senior team debut at the age of 20 and has since established herself as one of the world’s top goalkeepers. She played a pivotal role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, a performance that significantly boosted the team’s global stature. Her impact was also evident at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, where India advanced to the quarter-finals.
As captain, Savita has guided the team to several notable victories, including a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a title win in the FIH Nations Cup. Under her leadership, India also secured consecutive Women’s Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.
In an exclusive conversation with RevSportz, Savita opened up about her illustrious career, the struggles after failing to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her journey, thoughts on the current leadership group, coach Harendra Singh, and her plans ahead.
Q: Your career has been inspiring, and playing 300 games is no small feat. You missed out on a medal in Tokyo by a whisker, and after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics, you were dejected and considered retiring. However, you held on, and the result is here—completing 300 games for the country and defeating the mighty Netherlands, the world No. 1 team. How would you describe this journey?
Savita Punia: Yes, it has been quite a long journey. I started in 2003 and never thought I would make it this far. Continuing after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics was a tough decision. It’s easier to move forward when you’re younger—after Rio 2016, despite the poor performance, we knew we could come back stronger in Tokyo, and we did, though we unfortunately missed out on a medal.
Boria sir spoke to me after our Asian Champions Trophy defeat and convinced me not to quit on such a low note. When I got married, my parents assured my in-laws that I would play until the Paris Olympics. After we failed to qualify, I felt I had no reason to continue. I cried for two days. My husband flew in from Canada and made me realise that quitting was easy, but I would regret it after two years. He was right. My in-laws supported me immensely, and without them, I wouldn’t have reached this milestone.
Another motivation was crossing the 300-game mark as the first Indian female goalkeeper to do so. Only PR Sreejesh had achieved this feat in men’s hockey. I am proud to have done it.
Q: Staying at the top of your game, especially as a goalkeeper in hockey, is challenging. What has been your mantra for this longevity?
Savita: Once again, I’d say the main mantra has been the unwavering support from my family—both mine and my in-laws. Without their backing, this wouldn’t have been possible. Yes, training hard keeps you physically fit, but mental preparedness is just as crucial.
The younger goalkeepers in our team are around 8-9 years younger than me, so keeping up with their fitness levels is tough. Injuries require proper recovery, and my family has ensured I get the care I need. I always keep in mind that I play to my merit and get selected for my performance, not just my experience and name.
Q: Coming to this Pro League campaign and the match against the Netherlands, in front of the home crowd—how was that night in Bhubaneswar? Can you describe the atmosphere?
Savita: We knew this Pro League campaign in Bhubaneswar was crucial, and we gave it our all. Playing eight games in eleven days is not easy. I am proud of the girls for their effort, from the first match against England to the last against the Netherlands.
My 300th match was the first leg against the Netherlands, and although we couldn’t win it, we fought hard. Before the match, everyone said they would win it for me; though that didn’t happen, we were proud of our performance against the world No. 1 team.
However, in the return leg, we played our hearts out. When the match went to a shootout, Bichu (Devi Kharibam, goalkeeper) came up to me and said that I could win it for the team in the shootout. Harendra sir also motivated me in the same way. Even as one of the most experienced players, standing in front of a packed stadium against a team like the Netherlands, nerves are inevitable. Winning that match was unforgettable, and the crowd’s energy was electrifying.
Q: Your thoughts on Harendra Singh as the coach? Has having an Indian coach helped? Salima (Tete) mentioned that it has helped overcome language barriers.
Savita: Yes, having an Indian coach is always a matter of pride. Harendra sir has brought many positive changes and has constantly motivated us. His experience with US Hockey for four years has also helped in developing the squad. I’ve played under several coaches, and Harendra sir is certainly among the best.
Q: Thoughts on the leadership group in the team? How is Salima Tete as a captain?
Savita: Salima is a fantastic player, and as captain, she is learning with each game. The senior players—Vandana (Katariya), Sushila (Chanu), and I—always support her. She never hesitates to ask for advice, which is a great quality in a leader.
Being a captain comes with off-field responsibilities, like media interactions, but we tell her to stay calm and play her natural game. In hockey, decision-making on the field is shared, unlike in cricket, where the captain takes almost every call. We make decisions together, and she has a bright future as a leader.
Q: How was your experience playing in the Hockey India League? Thoughts on the league?
Savita: It was an amazing experience! We enjoyed it even more than expected, probably because we had waited so long for such a platform. Sharing the dressing room with foreign players, understanding their routines, and experiencing different cultures was invaluable – before a game, during off days. Some like to listen to music and enjoy alone time, some like to dance in the dressing room.
The league is a fantastic opportunity for young players. Even those who don’t make the national team can develop their game in franchise teams. Financial security also plays a role in encouraging more parents to support their kids in hockey. I hope the league continues and grows.
Q: What role has Hockey India played in the sport’s development?
Savita: The federation, under Dilip sir (Tirkey) and Bhola sir (Bholanath Singh), has been incredibly supportive. They know every player personally and frequently visit camps to assist us. If a player faces financial difficulties or job concerns, they step in to help, ensuring that we can focus solely on our game.
Be it nutrition or facilities, every aspect has been covered by the federation. Sometimes, Bhola sir would ask why we aren’t demanding anything. It is that every demand is already fulfilled. They are working tremendously hard for the betterment of the sport.
Q: Lastly, the team travels to Australia next for a test series, followed by the Pro League European phase, the World Cup, and the 2026 Asian Games. What are your plans for the future? Do you have LA 28 in mind?
Savita: (Laughs) That’s a long question! For now, I just want to enjoy this two-week break before heading to Australia. Our immediate focus is on performing well at the World Cup and Asian Games next year.
As for Los Angeles 2028, let’s keep that discussion for another interview (Laughs)! But as long as I remain fit and competitive at the highest level, I won’t retire. My family has always supported my decisions, and that won’t be an issue.
🚨 #SavitaPunia Exclusive
Completing 300 games for India, the journey, its ups and downs; not giving up in the process, defeating the Netherlands, #HIL2025, plans ahead and more!@savitahockey @RohanDC98 @TheHockeyIndia @Limca_Official
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— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 28, 2025