Savita Punia Celebrates 300th International Cap in Style
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Synopsis
Savita Punia, the esteemed goalkeeper, proudly marked her 300th international cap during a match against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25. Her journey reflects dedication and excellence in Indian hockey.
Key Takeaways
- Savita Punia reaches 300 international caps.
- She joins Vandana Katariya as one of only two Indian women to achieve this feat.
- Key figure in India’s success at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Led India to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
- Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Arjuna Award.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 24 (NationPress) Goalkeeper Savita Punia achieved a remarkable milestone by completing 300 international caps on Monday. This significant event took place during India’s match against the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Savita now stands alongside Vandana Katariya as one of only two Indian women to have reached 300 international matches. Additionally, she is the second Indian goalkeeper, regardless of gender, to accomplish this feat following the legendary PR Sreejesh.
Regarding this remarkable achievement, Savita expressed, “Participating in 300 matches for India is a moment of immense pride for me. It has been a memorable journey, and I am profoundly thankful to Hockey India, Sports Authority of India, my family, teammates, and support staff who have supported me throughout. Each match in the Indian jersey is a privilege, and I will continue to strive for excellence for the team.”
A prominent figure in Indian hockey, Savita made her senior team debut at the age of 20 and has since become one of the world’s premier goalkeepers. She played a pivotal role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, which elevated the team's global profile. Her expertise was also crucial during the Rio Olympics 2016 and the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup, where India progressed to the Quarter-Finals.
As captain, Savita has led India to extraordinary successes, including a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and a victorious campaign at the FIH Nations Cup. Under her guidance, India also secured back-to-back gold medals in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and 2024.
“Savita has been the pillar of Indian hockey for years, and her achievement of 300 caps reflects her commitment and talent. She has been a genuine leader and inspiration for young players, particularly goalkeepers aspiring to emulate her success,” remarked Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Savita has been awarded the Arjuna Award and is a two-time recipient of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Award for Player of the Year (2022, 2023). Her excellence as a goalkeeper has also earned her the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for three consecutive seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23).
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh stated, “We are incredibly proud of Savita’s accomplishment. Her leadership and performances have been crucial in India’s ascent on the world stage, and I am confident that she will continue to lead the team to even greater achievements.”
