New Delhi: Senior Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia on Monday was felicitated by Hockey India on the account of her 300th international appearance. The achievement came during India’s FIH Pro League fixture against the Netherlands.
As the two teams assembled in a line for the national anthems at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, there was an announcement made afterwards that Savita is all set to play her 300th international match. The announcer used three words to describe the Haryana-based athlete. All three words started with the letter F – fearless, focused and fast.
As the announcement continued, a special banners in one of the stands at the venue was unfurled. ‘300 Appearances’ was written on the banner with Savita’s name printed in a stylish font laced with red colour. Savita did wave hands to the fans when her name was called out. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey.
It was followed by former Indian men’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh presenting a woolen shawl to the player around the neck. A customised special Indian jersey with the number ‘300’ was printed and Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh was the one to present it to the former Indian captain.
300 matches and a legacy in the making!
An emotional moment for Savita as she reaches this incredible milestone.#FIHProLeague #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame
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.@savitahockey @Media_SAI @sports_odisha @WeAreTeamIndia @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/IX9OHNnrCp— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 24, 2025
Savita became only second player after forward Vandana Katariya to complete 300 matches for the Indian women’s hockey team. She was part of the team which made to the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics, wherein the team missed on the medal and settled for a fourth place.
Savita made her international debut in 2009 during the Spar Cup Four Nations Tournament in Durban, South Africa, and played a key role in the team winning bronze medal at the 2013 Women’s Asia Cup.
Savita Punia, Indian women’s hockey team goalkeeper, achieved a remarkable milestone, playing her 300th international match. Hockey India presented her with a commemorative jersey and flowers, acknowledging her fearless, focused, and fast contributions to the sport. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
