PANJIM: Just where the FIFA ban on the AIFF, effectively denying India hosting rights of the U-17 Women’s World Cup, leaves football for women in the country is subject to circumspection.
The competition was to be a crowning moment for courageous women footballers who braved social prejudice and a patriarchal society.
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Women’s football in the country has been taking brave steps for more than half a century now but the U-17 summit event was to be a watershed moment for the game.
Now, with the event a non-starter, save a special administrative effort and a show of benevolence by FIFA, the women’s game will have been pulled back several years, if not decades, instead of the quantum leap it appeared poised to make.
Players have trained hard, embarked on grueling tours and have pushed the limits of endurance of fitness.
Spare a thought for the squad, primed and raring to go for the event scheduled for October. Think about their investment of hope, time and energy to inspire millions.
As Anita Sarkar, former international, says, “The girls had a target. They will now ask themselves why they should continue playing if they can’t realize their dreams.”
Goa’s own legend Juliana Colaco said, “We should have done better administratively to prevent the ban.” Another icon Yolanda D’Souza said, “Grassroots development was looking up. And now this.”
Most crushing might be the fact that India may not qualify for the U-17 Women’s World Cup if moved to another country.
Team India players who have gone through the grind will be benumbed and incredulous and must now struggle to hold on to the last vestige of hope.
