Indian Women’s Hockey team captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia achieved a remarkable milestone on Monday, 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 feat, Savita becomes only the second Indian woman after Vandana Katariya to reach the 300-match mark and just the second Indian goalkeeper—male or female—to do so, following the legendary PR Sreejesh.
A cornerstone of Indian hockey, Savita made her senior team debut at 20 and has since become one of the world’s most formidable goalkeepers. She played a crucial role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, a campaign that significantly elevated the team’s reputation globally. Her contributions were also instrumental at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, where India reached the quarter-finals.
As captain, she has led India to significant victories, including a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a triumph in the FIH Nations Cup. Under her leadership, India also clinched back-to-back Women’s Asian Champions Trophy titles in 2023 and 2024.
Savita’s excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award and the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year (2022, 2023). She has also been recognized as the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year for three consecutive seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23).
Expressing her emotions on the milestone, Savita said, “Playing 300 matches for India is an incredibly special moment for me. It has been an unforgettable journey. I am deeply grateful to Hockey India, Sports Authority of India, my family, teammates, and support staff who have stood by me throughout. Every match wearing the Indian jersey is an honour, and I will continue to give my best for the team.”
Congratulating her, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Savita has been the backbone of Indian hockey for years, and reaching 300 caps is a testament to her dedication and skill. She has been a true leader and an inspiration to young players, especially goalkeepers looking to follow in her footsteps.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh also praised her achievement, stating,
“We are extremely proud of Savita’s achievement. Her leadership and performances have been instrumental in India’s rise on the world stage, and I have no doubt she will continue to steer the team to greater heights.”