As India is getting ready for hosting this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, the captain of the senior national women’s football team, gives an encouraging message to Indian players who are just a few steps away from making historical records.
Whatever you do to make plans and plan you are bound to encounter certain events in life that can’t be repeated. The India Women’s Under-17 football team has been in full preparation over the past seven months to meet with destiny as India is getting ready to host the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022. A lot of training has been conducted to prepare the team for the unprecedented numerous exposure trips being conducted and hours spent on the field sharpening the abilities.
The 21 participants chosen for the event will, on the 11th of October be the very first Indians to be part of the female World Cup at any age level. It’s not a problem even if it overwhelms some. If it does, India’s senior national women’s football team Loitongbam Ashalata Devi has a message for the players ahead of the big day.
“As an athlete, the pressure is always present. It’s evident that you are anxious. It’s crucial to be able to handle these butterflies. When we’re nervous, we try our best and focus more focused. I’ve played at similar age groups and it’s not easy to compete at this stage, but it’s essential that you stick to what you know,” Ashalata says. “Have faith in your training, your method, and your ability that’s all that counts. Don’t be a victim take on the opponent. We are confident in you. The experience of playing against teams with a lot of players improves us and the experiences gained will aid you in advancing in your career.”
India and India, who are a part of this year’s World Cup as hosts, are in group A of the tournament which includes 16 teams along with Morocco, the US, and Brazil. Morocco will also play the Women’s World Cup for the first time. the 2008 runners-up in the USA along with two quarterfinalists from Brazil are the most likely to be selected from the group. India begins their tournament with a match against the 2022 CONCACAF U-17 Champion US on 11 October.
It’s impossible to forecast the results in any sport, however, the USA is among the top contenders in the opener. The most crucial aspect for India is to be aware that the overall performance of three games will determine their ability to make it to the quarter-finals therefore, a setback or even a loss before the final stage of the group phase doesn’t cause them to lose their focus.
“No person likes losing but a loss is a chance to improve your performance. Losing and winning are both essential to the game. However, in the case of a setback in the course of a game, It is important to not forget the larger perspective. It is important to determine the issue, fix it and try again. This is what’s most important in football. Two or three results do not make anyone a person,” the senior India player says.
Women’s soccer in India has seen a lot of improvements over time, however, there’s much to be done to capture the interest of the nation. Ashalata believes that the World Cup could be the ideal trigger.
“This is a huge chance for women’s soccer across India and could result in positive changes. Many people in India are not aware of the game played by women, but it is a fact that this female World Cup will be broadcast on television for all to see in our nation. It is our chance to demonstrate to the nation how well we’re playing. It’s not the only thing. It is expected that this World Cup will also inspire the next generation.
“When you are playing matches at the highest level, the opportunity is thrown in our direction. Since the last time we played against Brazil prior to the female’s Asian Cup, Indian players are also getting the chance to play outside of their nation. Manisha Kalyan, as well as Dangmei Grace, are currently playing in international leagues. The changes and advancements occur only when we compete against the best teams at the top levels,” she concludes.
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