Savita Punia Becomes India's Most-Capped Female Hockey Player
Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia set the record for the highest number of international appearances in Indian women's hockey by playing her 321st senior international match on September 21, 2026. She surpassed Vandana Katariya's record of 320 matches. This milestone was achieved during a match against Indonesia at the 2026 Asian Games held in Japan. Hockey India announced a cash award of ₹10 lakh to honor Savita's achievement; she made her international debut in 2009 and has represented India in numerous major competitions, including three Olympic Games.
Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia made history on September 21, 2026, by completing 321 senior international matches. With this feat, she became the most-capped player in the history of Indian women's hockey, surpassing former Indian striker Vandana Katariya's record of 320 matches. This milestone was reached during the Pool-B match between India and Indonesia at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Equaling and Then Setting a New Record at the 2026 Asian Games
Savita Punia equaled Vandana Katariya's record by playing her 320th international match during India's opening Pool-B game against Uzbekistan on September 20, 2026. India won that match 19-0. The very next day, by taking the field against Indonesia, Savita set a new record by playing her 321st international match.
Hockey India Announces ₹10 Lakh Award
To honor Savita's historic achievement, Hockey India announced a cash award of ₹10 lakh. Hockey India highlighted her long international career, discipline, leadership, and significant contribution to Indian women's hockey. Savita is also known as "The Wall of India" due to her goalkeeping prowess and performance in penalty shoot-outs.
Savita Punia's International Career
Savita made her senior international debut in 2009. Over an international career spanning nearly two decades, she has represented India in major competitions such as three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Champions Trophy, and the FIH Hockey Pro League. She completed her 300th international match during an FIH Pro League game against the Netherlands in February 2025.
Vandana Katariya's Record and Contribution
Before Savita, the record for the most international matches played in Indian women's hockey was held by Vandana Katariya, who played 320 senior international matches. Vandana scored 158 international goals during her career and retired from international hockey in April 2025. She has been one of the leading goal-scorers in Indian women's hockey and is a prominent name for having scored a hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics.
Significance for UPSC
This news is significant from the perspectives of sports, women's empowerment, sports culture in India, and international sporting achievements. For UPSC purposes, this can be categorized under Current Affairs, Sports, and Women in Sports. Key facts to remember: Savita Punia (Goalkeeper), senior international debut (2009), record (321 caps), previous record holder (Vandana Katariya—320 caps), venue of achievement (Asian Games 2026, Japan), and honor (₹10 lakh award by Hockey India).
