Anjali sets a national goal

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Usually a quiet girl in the classroom, Anjali T, who has bagged the best football player award in the Under-17 category, is a ferocious defender on the ground. A class X student of Nadakkavu Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode, she has won several accolades in football during her five-year stint in the sport.

“The girl is an upcoming talent in women’s football in the State. She joined the girl’s school for football coaching and is a hard worker,” says her coach Fousiya M.

Coming from a financially backward family, it was her father’s interest in the game that prompted Anjali to opt for the game.

“I love football and decided that Anjali should train in the sport. There were only a few schools that train girls in football in the district. Luckily, she got admission into the school and was able to start football training from class V onwards,” said Anjali’s father, Pradeep Kuttikavu, who is working as a headload worker.

Anjali was soon selected into the U-14 state team and represented the team in the nationals. She was also part of the U-17 state team and won best defender title in the recently held senior state football tournament in Idukky. Anjali has also represented the state PYKKA team as vice-captain and was selected to the Indian camp.

“It is the huge interest shown by her father and the immense talent the girl has that made her grab the best footballer award in the U-17 category,” says Fousiya.

Anjali’s next aim in football is to play for India. “I need to play in the Indian team in the coming season. I am training hard for the open selection camp to be held for the state team,” she says.

However, the lack of matches for the girl’s team in the state is a major problem.

“Players are not getting enough match experience. Girls’ football is not included in the National School Games and this is a major set back for girls. At present, even the state team is selected by open selection and only if there are more matches, will the players get more opportunities,” says Fousiya.

“Players like Anjali need more promotion and there must be more importance given to women’s football. Only then will more students opt to play. In Anjali's case, she has major support from her family,” says her coach.