Against all odds, this 22-year-old dynamo from Muggowal, nestled in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, etched her name in history by accomplishing what many only dream of—scoring against the formidable ‘Samba Team’ of Brazil. Her incredible feat has positioned her as the first Indian player to net a goal in the prestigious UEFA women’s league.
Currently donning the colours of the Cypriot First Division club Apollon in the UEFA league, Manisha is not just a standout in her club, she’s also a proud pillar of the Indian women’s national team. Her journey from the fields of Muggowal to the grand stages of UEFA is nothing short of remarkable.
In an exclusive conversation with Sports Champ Magazine, Manisha Kalyan opens up about her journey, her aspirations, and the path she envisions for herself in the footballing world. She shares insights into her relentless pursuit of excellence, fuelled by the unwavering support from her roots and mentors.
Behind every extraordinary athlete, there stands a guiding force—a coach, a mentor, a teacher—who recognises raw talent and shapes it into something extraordinary. Manisha’s story echoes this sentiment, as she acknowledges the pivotal role played by her sports teachers. Their keen eye and unwavering support sowed the seeds for her rise, inspiring her to dream big and work relentlessly toward her goals.
As India witnesses the meteoric rise of this football prodigy, Manisha Kalyan stands not just as a trailblazer but as a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers across the nation. Her story is not just about scoring goals; it’s about breaking barriers, defying odds, and inspiring generations to pursue their passions with unwavering dedication.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2024 de Sports Champ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 2024 de Sports Champ.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
ICONIC STADIUM
From the ancient grandeur of the Roman Colosseum to the cuttingedge design of Beijing's Bird's Nest, stadiums around the world hold rich histories and enduring legacies. These structures not only host epic events but also reflect the cultural, political, and architectural advancements of their eras.
JUNIOR TALENT RARELY GUARANTEES ELITE SUCCESS
Dr Tania Cassidy, is a professor of sports coaching at the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her research focus is pedagogy, and she uses educational theories to explore the interconnections between coach, athlete, content, and context. During the Sports Champ Talk Show with Chief Editor Bhushan Thakur, she spoke about talent identification, luck factors, and the early and later bloomers in sports. Excerpts:
PURVA EYES GLOBAL SUCCESS
With over 50 medals to her name, including the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award, Purva Kinare shares her journey in Yoga and her hopes for representing India in future international competitions.
Ayush Shukla eyes Olympic dream
After claiming India’s first-ever bronze in the World Junior Taekwondo Championship, 17-year-old Ayush Shukla from Ahmedabad is now looking ahead to bigger challenges, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympics.
SCALING HEIGHTS
Shreya Nankar, a 22-year-old from Pune, has excelled in wall climbing and academics, earning over 40 medals in national competitions while pursuing her master’s degree at Arizona University, USA. Recently honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, she continues to inspire with her exceptional achievements.
Channelise your energy in the proper manner
Tell us about your childhood and liking for sports at an early age
India's fabulous fifth
India secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy Hockey title with a 1-0 win over China, extending their record in the prestigious tournament. Jugraj Singh's crucial goal brought home the victory, while captain Harmanpreet Singh led the team to their sixth overall title, capping off a dominant campaign.
WINNING TOGETHER
Dr Deepa Malik, former president of the Paralympic Committee of India and a silver medall at the Paralympic Games underscores the pivotal role of collective efforts, meticulous plannin talent discovery, and international exposure in India's remarkable performance at the Pa Paralympics.
KAPIL'S BRONZE BLITZ
Triumph Amidst The Roar
MAKING OF A CHAMPION
Becoming an Olympic gold medallist is no easy feat. For coaches, the process is a long and arduous journey that demands immense dedication, perseverance, and skill.
