Aditi Chauhan Retires: A Journey Beyond Football

New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) Exactly a decade ago, Aditi Chauhan blazed a trail as the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe. Now, after a remarkable 17-year career, she has announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 32. Aditi has decided to step off the pitch to help create a "stronger pathway and ecosystem" for future generations. Thank you, football – for shaping me, testing me, and carrying me through, Aditi expressed in a heartfelt social media post on Thursday. After 17 unforgettable years, I'm retiring from professional football with deep gratitude and pride. The former India women's team goalkeeper remarked how football became more than just a career; it offered her an identity.

"From chasing a dream in Delhi to carving out my own path all the way to the UK, she reflected, where I pursued my Master's in Sports Management and played for West Ham United – I walked a road with no clear map. Aditi emphasized that her journey was about balancing education and passion without having to choose between them. This balance, she said, has been a defining force in her life.

Throughout her illustrious career, Aditi made a mark internationally by joining West Ham United in the Women's Super League in England and representing India 57 times on the field. Her achievements include being part of India’s victorious line-up in the SAFF Women's Championship in 2012, 2016, and 2019. I gave everything to the game — my focus, my fire, my body, she recounted, noting the struggles and societal pressures questioning her career choice in football.

Her journey was not without its challenges; Aditi battled and recovered from ACL injuries twice, demonstrating resilience and mental strength. The pain, the doubt, the silence - it was a battle I had to win from within. After two seasons at West Ham, she returned to India and played for Gokulam Kerala FC, where she contributed to their Indian Women's League titles in 2019-20 and 2021-22. She also helped the team reach the semifinals of the AFC Women's Club Championship.

Aditi highlighted her pride in maintaining consistency over the years, overcoming setbacks, and reclaiming the No. 1 spot time and again. She attributes much of her success to her family’s unwavering support, particularly her mother, who stood by her throughout her adventurous career.

In her final season, Aditi played a pivotal role for Sribhumi FC, steering the Kolkata-based team to a third-place finish in the IWL. Though she is stepping away from the pitch, Aditi remains committed to contributing to football, vowing to give back to the sport that shaped her life’s journey.

"As I now step into life beyond the pitch, I carry that belief with me, she wrote. My second half is about giving back to the game that gave me everything. Concluding her message, she urged others to dream big, believe in yourself, and put in the work.

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