Herald: When you were first introduced to the beautiful game?
ASHIKA GADEKAR: I started playing football at the age of six. I initially played with my elder sister Rima Gadekar who was also a goalkeeper. Taking tips from my sister, I picked up the gloves and there was no looking back. I went on to represent my school --St. Michael Convent High School, Anjuna, --where my footballing talent and love towards the sport was identified by lot of people, who appreciated and motivated me to pursue with the sport.
Herald: Who encouraged you to take up this sport?
AG: My physical education teacher Agnelo, Principal Sr Libea Fernandes of St. Micheal Convent HS, and my mother always motivated and encouraged me towards all my needs. My mother’s dream was to see me successful and I’m glad I’m fulfilling them. Moreover there is this one person who moulded me to be who I am today –and it’s my coach Sandeep Naik. Sandeep trained me for the past three years wherein he strengthened my goalkeeping abilities and skills. He supported me in achieving my dreams and encouraged me a lot over the years. Sandeep has been like a father figure to me.
Herald: Could you share some of your experiences at the National and International platform?
AG: Well, I never imagined that I would ever play for the State. But as years passed by, my development progressed and I became confident too. At 12, I went on to play for my State in the U-14 category, and then there was no stopping. I represented the State in the U-15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 and led the team thrice. Regarding the international experience, I went on the play for my country in the U-14 and U-15 age group at Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Herald: What did you gain from GFA’s inaugural edition of women’s league?
AG: It was a great initiative from GFA and Vedanta to have a women’s league. Definitely it gave us a great platform to showcase our talents. I represented Flaming Oranje but sadly I couldn’t lead my team to win the inaugural edition as we lost in the semi-finals. The league gave us ample of match timings. I was happy with my overall experience in the tournament as I bagged two women-of-the-match awards against Cuncolim Warriors and SCCC Cavelossim. My goalkeeping was applauded by the football fraternity as I went on win the best goalkeeper award and was even happy to receive it from India International keeper Aditya Chavan.
Herald: What is your future plan?
AG: My aim is to play for the National senior women’s football team and that’s my top most priority right now. But I’ve given a thought on what I would be doing after my retirement as well. I want to become a football coach, which will help me to share my rich experience and knowledge to the budding women footballers. The knowledge I have gained has to be passed on.
Herald: Where does the women’s football stand in Goa?
AG: I personally feel we are lagging behind. It’s clearly visible at the National platform. The reason for the same could be the least interest of the Goan ‘big’ clubs in promoting the women of the State as compared to the men. Moreover, there is no dedicated academy to cater to the needs of women’s football in Goa. Other states like Manipur, Orissa, Haryana, etc have been promoting women football.
Herald: What are your views on the Indian Super League and I-League?
AG: Alas the question I have been eagerly waiting for! The blend of foreign and Indian players gives the local talent some inspiration and motivation at the same time on field experience too which helps them to learn a lot. The ISL and I-League are definitely a good platform for the players as it hands them the opportunity to shine. I hope Reliance, AIFF and ISL comes up with a women’s edition too that will give us an equal opportunity to play.