SUPER SAVITA: Savita Punia going strong at 300 caps in international hockey

Unlike cricket, where it is possible to get very bit of statistics about a team or players, in hockey one has to dig deep. Five days ago, when Savita Punia, the sturdy goalkeeper in Indian women’s hockey played her 300^th match, there was more than a mention. Even at a time when cricket’s Champions Trophy 2025 occupies prime space in media and social media, one could not have ignored the FIH Pro League as well, be it the men’s team or women’s team playing.

For those who have watched and followed Indian women’s hockey closely, before and after Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Chak De’ became a rage, the typical story has been one of misses. This story is about Miss Savita Punia, who is now Mrs Savita Punia. That, in itself, is a success story, since women in Indian sports continuing to ply their trade after marriage is quite unique. To say Savita is the pillar of Indian hockey would not be a cliché. Obviously, she is not a PR Sreejesh who has two Olympic bronze medals to show, but if you have romanced women’s hockey, Savita is stand-out.

This writer has spoken to Savita a few times. She is not the sort who will open up very easily. But if you ask her sane and sensible stuff, her replies will be an education, be it for a professional sports writer or the fan. After the Indian hockey team returned from Tokyo in 2021, Hockey India had arranged a felicitation function at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi. As the men’s team had won a bronze, the media was chasing the heroes from the men’s team, Sreejesh included.

On my request, Savita agreed to speak. Her eyes were staring at the wall, for a chance to win bronze medal had been missed. India had finished fourth in women’s hockey. She was not sad, really, for the team, had put in a great performance and coach Sjoerd Marijne had brought the best out of the team. One had to pause while interacting with Savia, and she asked me a question: “Do you think I can push into the next Olympics cycle and play in Paris 2024.” It was strange, a top athlete asking a question. I replied: “Yes.” The smile was back on her face.

Two year later,  in 2023, I was again lucky to interact with Savita at the Hangzhou airport after the Asian Games in China. Hockey India had started baying for coach Jannekke Schopman’s blood and some players were upset as well. At the immigration counter, the hockey players tried to force a smile. Savita was quiet, and I did reach out to her. These are moments when a player will speak only if they wish to. Savita knew Indian failing to win a gold medal in the Asian Games meant automatic qualification for the Paris Olympics was over. And once she ‘failed’ as captain in the FIH qualifiers, Savita was contemplating retirement.

Well-meaning friends and coach Harendra Singh talked her out of it. Savita was back, rather is back. Again, for someone who has seen worst moments in women’s hockey, playing 300 international matches is a massive milestone. The dream is still there, another shot at Olympics glory. She had wanted this in 2021, and now, in 2025, she is again dreaming about it. Will she play in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, well, Savita’s still trying. At a time when the hockey players are provided better facilities and Savita has a job in the Sports Authority of India as well, after much struggle, the Olympics dream lingers.

She knows, the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, will be important. Can she push, can she be at her peak. Truth is, unless she tells you her age is 34, you cannot make out. Goalkeepers have greater longevity, and Sreejesh is a classic example. The second classic example is Savita from Sirsa, in Haryana. 300 is a big deal and she has worked hard to get here. After all, politics in Indian hockey will never go away.