Blue Tigresses back each other, focus to make their sacrifices count

“The doubts and the apprehensions begin to creep in. But the coaches were accommodating enough in those phases, and soon I could feel my legs beginning to do the things my mind wanted them to do.”

Right from assembling for a six-month camp in Jamshedpur, to playing some of the toughest teams in the world, and Asia, the Tigresses have grown together. The sacrifices the Blue Tigresses have made have been immense, all with an intent to make their country proud on the continental stage.

Young winger Manisha Kalyan, who had netted the famous goal against mighty Brazil back in November, last year: “Many people could not see my goal live because the match was in the wee hours of the morning. But I got so many messages after they saw the highlights. That’s over now, though – the Brazil match was also a part of the preparation for the Asian Cup, this is the biggest stage we’ve got to so far.”

“This is my chance to really make India proud. I pray for wishes from everyone. This is the perfect chance for our country, this is my chance to do well in Asia,” she stated.

A few days after the match against Brazil, another player had had a special occasion, when the Blue Tigresses faced Venezuela. Midfielder Karthika Angamuthu made her senior debut against the South American nation.

“My India debut will always be a special moment for me. The coach had also presented me with small memorabilia to mark that debut, and that’s something that I will keep forever,” smiled Karthika.

“But the feeling that I am getting ahead of the Asian Cup is one that surpasses that as well. The competition for those 11 spots on the field is immense, albeit a healthy one. If I do get my chance, I want to grab it with both arms. I want to make this more special than my debut.”

Head Coach Thomas Dennerby himself has been away from his family for a long. “But no complaints. The girls are the real stars, and we need to help each other out. In such a tournament as the Asian Cup, we need to stick together,” he smiles.