Savita Punia Shines as India Defeats the Netherlands in FIH Hockey Pro League
India clinched a thrilling 2-1 shootout victory over the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League, thanks to the exceptional goalkeeping of Savita Punia. The match, held at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on February 25, 2025, saw India making a remarkable comeback after trailing in the first half. With her decisive saves, Punia not only secured the win but also marked her 300th international cap, becoming the second Indian woman to achieve this milestone after Vandana Katariya. Her leadership and resilience played a pivotal role in this historic victory.
The first opening of play saw Netherlands bury two away goals. But India was pulling a little more with third-quarter goals by Deepika in the 35th minute and Baljeet Kaur in the 43rd, so it was tied as the second half came to an end. Savita Punia’s organization came into court in the closing minutes. She had herself organized well enough and stood her ground against those two shots by the Dutch forwards and sealed the deal for India with a shootout score of 2-1. A ringing alarm for all other contenders in international hockey, thus making it also a personal victory for none other than Savita, as she became the second Indian woman ever to cross that holy grail of 300 international caps, after the iconic Vandana Katariya.
Truly inspirational saga Savita Punia saw her playing for the national side at the age of 20 in 2011. For more than a decade now, she has been the Indian defense wall. Such are the merits of her captaincy post-Tokyo Olympics that she led India to a bronze at the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham along with the same-year victory in the FIH Nations Cup. Under her captaincy, the team of India went on to win the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and 2024.
“One of the most memorable. I have played 300 matches for India and have probably the most unforgettable journey. I owe thanks to Hockey India, Sports Authority of India, family, teammates and support staff for being there all along,” said Savita in reference to her 300th match.
Hockey India also announced cash rewards of Rs. 1 lakh each to its players for phenomenal performances against Netherlands. The support staff will get Rs. 50,000.
Conclusion: Savita Punia’s goalkeeping showcases talent against the Netherlands as an affirmation of her commitment and the leadership she brings. As history tells us, it was improbable for such a young player just starting out to so honourably become forever engraved as one of the best hockey players in India. Truly, her name will be embedded forever in the chronicles of Indian sports, as one who went the extra mile in achieving her 300 international caps with stellar victories as the captain of her side.
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