PANJIM: Valanka Natasha Alemao has broken through the glass ceiling as it were.
The daughter of Churchill Alemao, Goa Football Association (GFA) president and owner of the fabled Churchill Bros football club, emerged as the first ever woman executive committee member in the AIFF’s 85-year history after being elected unopposed on Friday.
She also became the first Goan in the AIFF committee after six years, the last being Shrinivas Dempo (2012-16) who served as a vice-president. Climax Lawrence, another Goan, comes in as players’ representative.
Valanka reflected on the moment, saying: “It’s really a proud moment for me for making it to the AIFF today.
“It’s not only me who is proud but it’s a proud moment for the entire state of Goa,” said.
Valanka, 41, was mindful of the responsibilities, especially accruing being the first woman ever in the AIFF committee and that, with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup around the corner.
“I feel very blessed to be a part of this new initiative I would like to thank the Almighty, my parents, the GFA and all sporting bodies of the state for their continuous support,” she said.
“I have been elected as a part of the committee which is going to give me a lot of exposure and also have a lot of duties to perform.”
Valanka affirmed that football is in her blood. “I have grown up watching the sport and have also been part of football management but today it’s another big journey that I am going to start,” she said.
She realises the challenges she will face. “When it comes to football in the country, being a woman isn’t easy. But, they always say, a woman can make a future for every family and AIFF is my new family which I will take forward with all my dignity and pride.”
