International Women's Day Special: Interview with Indian women's football team manager Indu Choudhary

INDU CHOUDHARY at the helm of it all – Manager, Indian National Women’s Team.

Indu Choudhary is the manager of the Indian National Women’s team. Here is a question and answer session with her:

Q. How tough/easy was it to convince the people around you that you would be taking up a career in Indian football

Initially, it was not easy at all. But looking back now, I would say if your family, parents supports you in your decisions then the hurdles seem less and you can scale heights easily.

Q. What are the problems faced by women/girl athletes in India?

Exposure in general. There are many athletes in our country who made us proud but have faded away into oblivion. That’s sad.

Q. What do you think is the biggest issue faced by women in Indian Football?

I would say it’s the lack of exposure as a whole.

Q. What structure do you propose for development of Indian football?

We need to create a structure where every Women/Girl (Players, Coaches, Referees, Admin etc.) understands football. State Leagues, Grassroots Development and more support from State Associations along with Media attention would be really helpful.

Q. Do you think somebody has been inspired by you?

Not sure about that but I am following a few legends not specifically from Football but who inspire me to stand strong for what is right.

Q. Advice for young budding talent?

Take up the challenges and keep going.

Q. How do you celebrate this day if you were back in your hometown/state?

I would have celebrated with all the lovely ladies in my life – My mother, Bhabhi’s, friends, nieces and all the counterparts who has helped me tirelessly..

Q. ‘Make it happen’ is the slogan for the International women’s day; how do you connect with it? What message would you send out?

If you want something, you can’t wait for someone to make it happen for you – go out and do it.