NEW DELHI: Indian women’s hockey team captain Savita and experienced defender Nikki Pradhan reached a significant milestone in their career on Sunday. Savita celebrated playing in 250 international caps for the country during the third match against Australia in Adelaide, while it was 150th match for Pradhan.
Savita, who made her debut at the Spar Cup Four Nations Tournament in Durban in 2009, has showcased her talent and dedication over the years, solidifying her position in the team through consistent top-quality performances. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has garnered numerous accolades throughout her more than decade-long career, including the prestigious Arjuna Award. Her pivotal role in India’s historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics highlights her exceptional abilities on the field.

Moreover, Savita has been a vital member of the team during the Rio Olympics in 2016, as well as the Women’s World Cup in London in 2018, where India made it to the quarterfinals. As the team’s captain, she led India to a bronze medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and secured a title win at the FIH Nations Cup, propelling the team’s qualification for the FIH Pro League 2023-24.
Expressing her elation, Savita remarked, “It is a very special moment for me. The journey to this moment has seen several highs and lows, and this milestone could not have been possible without the support of my teammates.” She also expressed gratitude to Hockey India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Odisha Government for their unwavering support towards the Indian women’s team. Savita’s determination remains unwavering as she aims to accomplish more targets and continue her strong performance on the field.

In addition to Savita, defender Nikki Pradhan also completed 150 international caps during the same match. Pradhan, who made her international debut during the South Africa Tour in 2016, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first female hockey player from Jharkhand to represent India at the Olympics. She participated in both the Rio Olympics and the Tokyo Olympics, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled and invaluable player.
“It is no less than a dream for me to represent my country at the grandest of stages,” Pradhan expressed with enthusiasm. She further highlighted her remarkable journey with the national side and expressed her determination to continue giving her best on the field. With several major events on the horizon, Pradhan aims to help the team reach greater heights and secure laurels in the near future.
Pradhan’s contributions to the team include notable victories, such as winning the gold medal at the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 and securing silver at the 2018 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy. Her achievements serve as a testament to her skill, dedication, and the impact she has made as a player.
The Indian women’s hockey team proudly celebrates the milestones achieved by Savita and Nikki Pradhan, recognizing their significant contributions to the sport and their unwavering commitment to representing the nation at the highest level.
(With inputs from PTI)