The Indian women’s goal keeper Savita Punia is set to add another feather to her illustrious career spanning more than a decade.

On Monday, Savita will complete a historical milestone of 300 international caps when the Indian women’s team takes on Netherlands during the ongoing FIH Pro League at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

With this, Savita will become the second Indian woman to reach 300 caps after Vandana Katariya, who has played 319 international matches.

Savit shared her emotions with Read saying, “(Giggles) I am definitely excited and it’s a proud moment for myself. My hockey career has been long and the good thing is I am completing 300 matches in front of the home crowd and against the world’s best team – Netherlands. That makes it even more special.”

The Great Wall of India, as Savita is popularly known in her hockey circle, made her debut in 2008 and has been an integral part of the team since. The 34-year-old from Haryana is the two-time winner of FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022.

“One has to work hard and keep patience. The life of a goalkeeper is a little difficult, you have to wait for your chance. It teaches you a lot. Sports has its own ups and downs with injury. Aaj jo hai woh bahut he beautiful hai (Whatever I have today is very beautiful). I thank god everyday,” reflected Savita on her beautiful journey.

Savita’s quick reflexes and fearless saves have been beneficial to India’s performance in major tournaments, but she likes to credit the game for life-changing experiences.

“My achievements as a hockey player are one thing. For me, personally, hockey has given me a lot in terms of my personality, my confidence. Whatever I am today, is because of hockey. My family can tell you better,” she said.

“Ek time tha, jab mein choti thi, mujhe kahin bhi jana hota tha toh mummy ya papa mein se koi saath jata tha. Thanks to hockey. (When I was little, my mother or father would accompany me anywhere I went, now thanks to hockey, I travel around the world),” she added with lots of emotion.

India registered a crucial win against Germany in their previous outing and would like to continue their winning momentum against the World no.1 Netherlands. India are currently placed seventh in the FIH Pro League points table.

“My husband, my parents want to come but I have told them not to come. I don’t get intimidated by the opponent or the full stadium, but their presence in the stadium, especially my father, makes me nervous. Maybe in the future, I would invite them, for now the match is more important,” Savita said, bringing focus to the match.

Savita’s father motivated her to take up hockey but it was her grandfather that motivated to play harder.

“Earlier I used to think my father had spent money on my kit so even if I play once for India, he will be happy. I did not want to play much,” she said.

“But the first time I narrated an article about me to my grandfather, he told me ek saal baad mein ye khud padh ke sunaunga (I will read it myself after a year). I told myself that if my grandfather can be motivated because of me, then I have to play hockey with all my heart, I can be a motivation to so many girls out there.

“I have got a lot of respect off the field. We celebrate in the same way as we celebrate during festivals. It makes for an emotional moment,” she concluded.