Kakamigahara, Japan, 21 September (H.S.): Indian women's hockey goalkeeper Savita made history on Monday, becoming the most-capped player in the history of Indian women's hockey. She surpassed former Indian striker Vandana Katariya's record of 320 senior international appearances.

Savita achieved the milestone during India's Pool B match against Indonesia at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

In recognition of her historic achievement, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for Savita.

The 36-year-old Savita is known as ‘The Wall of India’ for her outstanding goalkeeping and her ability to perform under pressure, particularly during penalty shootouts. She made her senior international debut in 2009 and has since represented India at three Olympic Games, two Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, besides featuring in several Asian Champions Trophy tournaments and FIH Pro League seasons.

Savita completed her 300th international appearance in an FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands in February 2025. She became the second Indian woman after Vandana Katariya to reach the landmark of 300 international appearances. She was also the second Indian goalkeeper, after former men's goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, to make 300 international appearances.

On September 20, 2026, during India's 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in its opening Asian Games match, Savita equalled Vandana's record of 320 appearances. She surpassed the record during Monday's match against Indonesia.

Savita's illustrious career includes three FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards, won in 2020, 2021 and 2023. She was also the vice-captain of the Indian team that secured a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.

She was part of the Indian team that finished fifth at the 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, India's best-ever performance in the competition in 52 years.

Savita played a key role as captain in India's bronze-medal-winning campaign at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Her match-winning performances in the penalty shootout helped India secure the medal. She also led India to its first FIH Nations Cup title in 2022.

She was conferred the Arjuna Award in 2018 and the Padma Shri in 2025.

In addition, she has received the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award in 2015 and 2024, as well as the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award in 2021, 2022 and 2024.

Vandana Katariya, whose record Savita has surpassed, remains India's highest-scoring women's hockey player. Both Vandana and Savita made their international debuts in 2009. Vandana retired in April 2025 after a 16-year career, having made 320 international appearances and scored 158 goals. Her career included a historic hat-trick at the Tokyo Olympics and the Padma Shri honour.

After setting the record, Savita said, “I want to thank my family, my coaches, my teammates and everyone who has supported me since the time I was a young player learning to save my first penalty corner. Honestly, I never thought I would reach this point.”

She added, “When I started, my only goal was to earn my place in the team and make my family proud. I never imagined that one day I would be called the most-capped player in the history of Indian women's hockey. This record is not just mine; it belongs to all the players who have played alongside me, and to Vandana as well, because she set a benchmark and inspired all of us to strive beyond it. My biggest hope is that the next generation sees this and believes that it is possible for them too. I want them to keep moving forward, keep working hard and dream big for Indian hockey. This sport has given me everything, and for as long as I can, I will continue to contribute to it.”

Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey praised Savita's achievement, saying, “Savita's record is a testament to two decades of discipline and calm leadership. She has been the backbone of this team, and today's achievement is thoroughly deserved.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Savita on this historic achievement. Her journey is an inspiration to every young goalkeeper who dreams of wearing the Indian jersey.”

The Indian women's hockey team's campaign at the Asian Games continues. The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also provide a direct qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar