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Womens football in India does not get the recognition it deserves, even though the Women’s team is placed almost 100 places higher in the FIFA rankings as compared to their male counterparts.
There are two shining examples of why the Women’s football should be given acknowledgment in the country, Aditi Chauhan and Tanvie Hans. Both footballers currently ply their trades with English clubs. The former plays for the West Ham United ladies team, whereas Hans plays for the Fulham ladies team.
Their path to the top was in no way easy, especially Tanvie Hans’. The Delhi girl faced a lot of problems in her initial days. Almost 7 years ago she was called up for the U-19 India Camp at Gwalior in 2008. After a month’s training, she made it through the shortlist. but later was informed that she wouldn't be a part of the team as she held a British passport. Ultimately, she decided to move to England where her career took a turn for the good.
Hans went to the University of Exeter in England for her masters, where the 25-year old realised that she needs to up her game if she wants to reach the top. In an exclusive interview to Sportskeeda, she once said, “It was a true pleasure playing for Exeter, with and against skillful players. I got to play, but I had plenty of bench time as well. It was a wake-up call, telling me that I’m good, but I need to be and can be better.”
Hans, who represented Delhi in U-14, U-16 and U-19, got a call from Tottenham Hotspurs after she gave trials at 4-5 top clubs, including Manchester City.
“Initially I listed about 4-5 clubs to try out for (including Manchester City), just to give myself enough opportunities so that I'd find success somewhere for sure. But I got a call back from Tottenham, which to me was extremely gratifying,” she said.
The Delhi girl was a regular in the Spurs ladies team for the best part of two years she spent there but decided to move to West London and play for the Fulham ladies team. She has also been nominated for the Women Player of the year in the Asian Football Awards (AFA) 2015, along with the fellow Delhiite Aditi Chauhan.
Aditi’s career has been quite pleasant, the goalkeeper has represented India in many tournaments at both the U-19 as well as senior levels and was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2012 SAFF Championships. She signed for West Ham United ladies team back in August and has already made two appearances for the team, even keeping a clean-sheet in the process.
The 22-year old just completed her Masters in Sports Management from Loughborough University and even played for the prestigious University. She gave trials for the Millwall football club which is a 2nd division club but was not allowed to be a part of the team as she had a student visa.
The Indian told Sportskeeda, “After my course at the University, I got an internship at Decathlon, so I moved to London and started giving trials for Millwall which is a Super league club (2nd division) but I was told that FA rules do not allow me to play for a 1st or 2nd division club with a student visa.
“My goalkeeping coach at Millwall, who also trains us at West Ham, suggested that I try out for them. I think my stint at Loughborough helped me improve a bit as a player, apart from giving me fond memories off the field.”
The goalkeeper signed for West Ham in August and became the first Indian-born player to play in England. Her debut didn't go as planned as his team slumped to a 5-0 loss against Coventry ladies team. However, the shot-stopper earned her first clean sheet with the club in the next match which was also her first home match in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace ladies team.
Chauhan will be up against fellow Indian Tanvie Hans for the Women Footballer of the year award in the Asian Football Awards, the ceremony for which will take place on 19th November at the Wembley Stadium in London.
