Drishti Pant proud to be part of Gujarat’s historic Hero Junior Girls’ NFC run

Gujarat bowed out of the ongoing Hero Junior Girls’ NFC semifinals after a 3-0 semifinal defeat at the hands of Jharkhand on Monday but not before creating history as the team became the first-ever side from the state to reach the semifinals of any national football championship.
One of the standout players from the Gujarat side was midfielder Drishti Pant, who played a box-to-box role and was vital for her team on both ends of the pitch, especially in the memorable 1-0 win against Mizoram in the quarterfinals.
Talking about her team’s successful run, the 14-year-old from Ahmedabad states, “We reached the semi-finals for the first time ever! We were told it was about 56-57 years ago we had achieved some similar. It was a great feat for us and we can go back with our heads held high. The tournament was a memorable one and I am proud of the way we played.”
It was in school that Drishti was first introduced to the beautiful game and in almost no time, she took to it like a duck to water. “I was in 5th standard when I started playing football in school and was completely into it within one year,” she explained, before adding, “I train for four hours a day now – two in the morning with my father and two in the evening with the U-15 boys’ team of Kahaani FC.”
She was impressed with her positional sense, ability to break up play and passing range during the tournament. Talking about her style of play, she opined that she is quick to adjust according to the team’s needs. “I alter my game as per the match situation and what the coach requires. I have worked a lot on my shooting and anticipation skills and feel I can play both as an attacking and defensive midfielder,” Drishti explained.
The youngster has been training day-in-day-out while balancing sports with studies, and with India set to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup next year, Drishti has her eyes firmly set. “As soon as I heard the news, I was determined to give my best every day in training and at the nationals. I hope I can be a part of the team and make the nation proud,” she concluded with a wide smile.
INTRIGUING CONTEST IN STORE BETWEEN JHARKHAND & HIMACHAL IN FINAL
Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh will face off in the final of the Hero Junior Girls’ NFC on Wednesday and the clash between them promises to be a thrilling one – with both teams having displayed immense attacking quality over the course of the tournament and not conceding even one goal so far.
Jharkhand began their campaign with a whopping 21-0 win over Jammu and Kashmir, and their tally now stands at 38 goals in four games – with nearly half (17) scored by forward Sumati Kumari.
Another key player for them has been centre midfielder and skipper Astam Oraon, who has impressed with her playmaking ability and knack of scoring, which has seen her find the target six times.
Himachal Pradesh also boast of a fine and speedy attacking unit, consisting of Manisha up top and the firepower coming from Nisha and Riya Sharma down the wings.
However, their standout player has been midfielder Poonam, scoring three goals – including the injury-time winner in the semifinal against Haryana, and keeping the team ticking over from midfield with her superb ball-playing skills and vision.
Also Reads: India U15 go down to Mexico U15 1-3
Feature Article: Limited game time hurting the growth of Indian footballers
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-league / Indian Super League / MDFA / Recommended
EXCLUSIVE: Mumbaikar Varun Mathur shares ongoing I-League experience in a bio-bubble
The 22-year-old midfielder from Mumbai is currently playing at Chennai City FC for a consecutive second year. Varun Mathur had his humble beginnings representing his school team and playing for…
World1 Sports partners with Playermaker to bring football’s leading technology to Indian clubs
World1 Sports is pleased to announce an official partnership with global sports technology giant, Playermaker. With this agreement, World1 Sports is now Playermaker’s partner in the Indian market and will…
Churchill Brothers, Mohammedan SC look to build on winning momentum
Table-toppers Churchill Brothers clash swords against third-placed Mohammedan SC tomorrow (January 14, 2021) at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal in the Hero I-League 2020-21. The match is…
THE ISL TRANSFER RADAR
Northeast United FC has announced Deshorn Brown as their new striker. The Highlanders announced the transfer news in the ongoing January transfer window. Deshorn Brown had scored 7 goals in…
FCG vs JFC – Three Key Battles to watch out for
As FC Goa prepare to lock horns with Jamshedpur FC, we take a look at three key battles from the clash against Jamshedpur FC that will have a big impact…
Indian Super League / Recommended
Ogbeche the difference as Mumbai City brave Bagan challenge
Goa, Jan 11: Mumbai City FC asserted their dominance by edging out ATK Mohun Bagan 1-0 in a hotly-contested Hero Indian Super League game at Fatorda Stadium, on Monday . The…
Football News / Indian Super League / Recommended
FC Goa announces program details for Club’s National Soccer Camps Online supported by RB Leipzig
FC Goa announces that the Club’s National Soccer Camps Online program, supported by RB Leipzig, will be made available in the shape of three packages. Designed for ages 6-18, participants…
Indian Arrows aim to trump Sudeva Delhi FC in an all-Indian clash
The All India Football Federation’s developmental side, the Indian Arrows will lock horns against Sudeva Delhi FC in an all-Indian clash on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the Kalyani Municipal…
FC Goa Announces Developmental Team Squad For Goa Pro League
FC Goa would like to announce that the Club has registered a 26-man squad for the Developmental Team that will take part this year in the Goa Pro League. This…
Fan Voice – Finally it felt like the FC Goa team we were used to watching
As FC Goa clinched a dominating win over Jamshedpur FC, fans were pleased with their side’s performance stating it felt like FC Goa of old. The Gaurs were clinical throughout…
IKF to dispense free international football exposure for children in India
India Khelo Football (IKF) is a non-profit platform aimed at providing kids from India a fair chance to pursue their dream of playing football internationally. IKF shares its vision to…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
IDBI Bank to hold trials for a central defender
After successfully conducting their first round of trials on 21st November, MDFA Super Division outfit are now looking to conduct another trial in search of Central Defenders. With football resuming,…
Chedda Nagar FC set to conduct trials for MDFA Super Division
Chedda Nagar Football Fanatics will be conducting trials to reform their MDFA Super Division squad. Being established in 2011, Chedda Nagar is a renowned name in Mumbai football. The team…
IDBI Bank to host trials for MDFA Super Division
With football resuming, IDBI Bank will be conducting trials for the upcoming MDFA Season. The team will participate in the Super Division and will be seen conducting their first round…
MDFA / Recommended / Super Division / Trials
Madanpura FA, Sara FA to host trials for the upcoming MDFA season
Sara Football Academy and Madanpura FA to host trials for MDFA Super division & 2nd division and 3rd division respectively on the 19th and 21st of November simultaneously. Sara FA…
FC Hydra to hold trials for women footballers in Bengaluru
FC Hydra will be holding trials for women footballers for the upcoming BDFA A division Women’s league. The club is based out of Bengaluru. FC Hydra will be holding trials…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
NLWS FC to hold trials for MDFA 3rd division
NLWS FC is club based in Dadar who have registered themselves in the MDFA 3rd division for the 2020-21 season. The club will be holding trials for the same. Mauli…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
The Oranje FC to host trials for MDFA Elite Division
The Oranje FC will be hosting trials for the upcoming MDFA 2020-21 season this November. The club will be participating in the MDFA Elite division this season. Established in 2017,…
2nd Division / MDFA / Trials
Sporting Options FC to hold trials for MDFA 2nd Division
Sporting Options Football Club will be hosting trials for the upcoming 2020-21 football season. The team is currently playing in the MDFA 2nd division. Sporting Options FC was established in…
MDFA 1st Division side Madanpura Sports Club soon to host trials
With football gradually returning, Mumbai based Madanpura Sports Club are slated to conduct trials for the upcoming season. Madanpura Sports Club is the Junior team of Bombay Muslims SC, who…