Veteran Indian midfielder Neha reached a landmark 200 international caps for India on Thursday, 18 June, during the national team's final Pool A match against Uruguay at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup in Auckland. Hockey India extended its congratulations to the Haryana-born player, who has been a fixture in the Indian midfield for over a decade.

A Career Built Over a Decade

Born in Sonipat, Haryana, Neha was introduced to the sport under the mentorship of former India captain Pritam Rani Siwach. She made her senior international debut in 2014 at the FIH Champions Challenge in Glasgow, and has since grown into one of the most dependable players in the Indian setup. Her exceptional footwork, sharp game-reading ability, and dodging skills have made her a standout presence in the midfield.

A Medal-Laden Journey

Neha's career is decorated with some of Indian hockey's most significant results. She was a key member of the squad that achieved a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — the best Olympic result for Indian women's hockey in decades. Her medal haul includes a silver at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, a bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and a bronze at the 2023 Asian Games. She also played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the inaugural FIH Women's Nations Cup in 2022 and was part of gold-medal-winning campaigns at the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in both Ranchi and Rajgir. Most recently, she helped India secure a silver medal at the 2025 Asia Cup.

Neha's Words on the Milestone

Reflecting on the achievement, Neha said, 'I am incredibly happy and excited to achieve the milestone of playing 200 international matches for India. Representing the country is a proud moment for me. I want to say a huge thank you to my mother, my husband, and Pritam Siwach ma'am for always supporting me through thick and thin. I am also deeply grateful to Hockey India, my teammates, and the coaching staff for their constant belief and guidance throughout my career.'

She added, 'My hockey journey has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but I always believed in pushing forward and never giving up. Every challenge has only made me stronger as a player and a person. Wearing the Indian jersey is the ultimate motivation for me.'

Hockey India Pays Tribute

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey praised her longevity and consistency, saying, 'Earning 200 international caps is a massive milestone in any athlete's career. Neha has been a vital engine in our midfield for over a decade. Her ability to navigate tough situations on the field reflects her inner strength and character.'

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added that her journey 'from an aspiring youngster to earning 200 international caps for India is truly spectacular,' calling her career an inspiration for young girls across the country.

India Top Pool A With 3-2 Win Over Uruguay

The milestone came as India sealed a 3-2 victory over Uruguay in their final Pool A fixture in Auckland on Thursday, completing a clean sweep of three consecutive wins over the USA, Japan, and Uruguay. After conceding an early goal, India fought back with a brace from Deepika and a goal from Deepika Soreng. The result confirmed India's top-place finish in Pool A, with the USA joining them in the semi-finals as the second-placed side. India's campaign in Auckland will now move to the knockout stage.