Savita Sets New Record as Most-Capped Indian Women’s Hockey Player at Asian Games
Kakamigahara, Japan, September 21, 2026: In a historic moment for Indian women’s hockey, goalkeeper Savita has officially become the most-capped player in the sport’s history in India. She achieved this remarkable feat by surpassing Vandana Katariya’s previous record of 320 senior international appearances. Savita reached this milestone during the Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026, adding to her already impressive career filled with significant accomplishments.
To honor her achievement, Hockey India has announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for Savita.
Affectionately dubbed ‘The Wall of India’ for her exceptional skills in stopping shots and her calmness during high-pressure situations, the 36-year-old Savita began her international career in 2009. Over the years, she has been a reliable presence for the national team, participating in three Olympic Games, two Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, and numerous other tournaments. She has evolved from a young talent into the team’s backbone and served as captain before Salima Tete took the reins.
Savita celebrated her 300th international cap in February 2025 against the Netherlands and became only the second Indian woman, alongside Vandana, to achieve this landmark. She matched Vandana’s 320 caps on September 20, 2026, during India’s dominant 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan, and then moved ahead shortly after.
Career Highlights of Savita:
- Three-time FIH Goalkeeper of the Year (2020, 2021, 2023).
- Vice-captain of the Indian team that finished fourth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Part of the squad that secured fifth place at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, the best finish in 52 years.
- Led India to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after an impressive penalty shoot-out performance.
- Captained India to their inaugural FIH Nations Cup title in 2022.
- Recipient of the Arjuna Award (2018) and Padma Shri (2025).
- Honored with the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year (2015, 2024).
- Awarded the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year (2021, 2022, 2024).
The record set by Savita was previously held by Vandana Katariya, the all-time top goal-scorer for India. Vandana also made her debut in 2009 and retired in April 2025 with a total of 320 caps and 158 goals throughout her outstanding 16-year career, which included scoring a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics.
After the match, Savita expressed her gratitude: “I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me since I was a little girl learning to save my first penalty corner. I never thought I would reach this milestone.”
She continued, “When I started, my goal was to earn my spot on the team and make my family proud. I didn’t expect to become the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey. This record is not just mine; it’s for everyone who has played with me, and especially for Vandana, who pushed all of us to aim higher. My wish for the younger generation is that they see this achievement and believe it’s possible for them too. I want them to continue growing, working hard, and dreaming big for Indian hockey. This sport has given me everything, and I plan to give back as long as I can.”
Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, praised Savita’s longevity, stating, “Savita’s record reflects two decades of discipline and quiet leadership. She has been the foundation of this team, and this milestone is truly deserved.”
Hockey India Secretary General, Shri Bhola Nath Singh, also congratulated Savita, saying, “On behalf of Hockey India, we congratulate Savita on this remarkable achievement. Her journey serves as an inspiration for every young goalkeeper who dreams of wearing the Indian jersey.”
As India’s women’s hockey team continues its journey at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, they are also competing for a chance to secure a spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
