New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI): Aditi Chauhan made history as the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, but in her early days, she wasn't even aware that India had a national women's football team.
In a career spanning nearly two decades, the 32-year-old recently announced her retirement, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer for women's football in India.
"When I started playing, it was purely for the love of the game. I had no idea about the existence of a national team," Chauhan recalled in an interview with PTI Videos.
Although immediate plans for full-time coaching aren't on her agenda, Chauhan is determined to shape the next generation of players. She's currently undertaking professional courses to fulfill this ambition.
The former Indian women's team goalkeeper, with 57 appearances for the national side, has an impressive list of accolades including wins in the SAFF Women's Championship (2012, 2016, and 2019) and gold medals at the South Asian Games.
Chauhan's journey wasn't without challenges, as she overcame two ACL injuries to make triumphant returns to the field. Her determination to leave football on a positive note drove her to come back and perform in the Indian Women's League (IWL) after her injuries.
After a stint with West Ham United in the Women's Super League in England in 2015, Chauhan returned to India in 2018 and contributed immensely to Gokulam Kerala FC, winning the IWL title in 2019-20 and 2021-22 and securing a commendable third-place finish in the AFC Women's Club Championship.
While Chauhan performed at exceptional levels, she realized it was time to pass the baton to younger talents. "As long as I was playing, I aimed for the number one spot, which meant fewer opportunities for others. So, stepping aside was also about allowing the young guns to shine," she said.
Reflecting on the national team's recent qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, she expressed optimism about India's potential for the World Cup, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and execution.
Her initiative, 'SheKicks', is aimed at establishing a strong professional ecosystem for young female footballers in India. "I don't want youngsters to feel deprived of resources and opportunities like I sometimes felt. If we address this, their achievements will surpass anyone's expectations," Chauhan concluded.
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