Team Herald
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PANJIM: Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and Goan footballer Aaroshi Govekar has earned a call up for the one-off friendly between India and Nepal senior women’s football team at Sikkim on October 29, Wednesday.
The match, the first-ever international outing at Gangtok’s Paljor Stadium, is being held as part of the commemoration marking 50 years of Statehood of Sikkim.
Aaroshi Govekar, from Nerul, is a stand-out defender who has performed consistently since 2018 at the Goa’s premier women’s league – Vedanta Women’s League and represented Goa at the Senior Nationals in 2024 and 25.
Aaroshi was also an integral part of the SFA women’s team that clinched the championship title in the Vedanta Women’s League 2024-25, winning the Best Defender Award in the process.
Aaroshi’s football journey began with a spark of curiosity and determination. From playing with village boys to representing top clubs namely Bengaluru FC, Calangute Association and Puneri Warriors FC, her path has been defined by relentless effort and an unyielding passion for the sport.
Reflecting on her selection, Aaroshi said, “It’s a dream come true to wear the Indian jersey. This moment is not just a personal achievement, but the result of years of dedication, passion and hard work. I’m deeply grateful to Sesa FA, teammates and my family for their constant support. I will give more than my best to make the country and Goa proud.”
She also credited the coaching staff at the SFA for having played a pivotal role in shaping her game, guiding her through rigorous training, gym sessions and tactical growth that have built her into a confident, all-round player ready for the national challenge.
Speaking of her achievements, Gavin Araujo, SFA technical director said, “We are extremely proud of Aaroshi’s selection to the national camp, which embodies the values that Sesa Football Academy stands for perseverance, discipline and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence by Aaroshi herself. With more and more women players from Goa making it to the national team at various levels, it bodes well for the future of women’s football in the State.”
Aaroshi’s call up follows closely on the heels of another SFA star Pearl Fernandes, who recently represented India at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, helping the team clinch the title and secure qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2026, where she scored the opening goal against Kyrgyzstan.
