An urge to give their best in football has taken Manisha Kalyan miles ahead as she becomes the first Indian women player to participate in UEFA Women's Champions League representing Apollon Ladies FC. An a-20-year-old woman from Hoshiarpur, Punjab played her first match for Apollon as a substitute player on August 18, 2022.
Apollon Ladies are Women's Club champions of Cyprus, based out of Limassol, the capital city of the island nation. They are taking part in the UEFA Women's Champions League Qualification Round. They beat Riga SFK of Latvia in their first match and would now play Zurich FC. A win could take them to Round 2 of the Qualification and from thereon to the main draw. Manisha hogged the limelight when she scored a goal against Brazil in an international friendly in Manaus.
Manisha Kalyan made her international debut at the age of just 17 back in 2019 in a friendly game in Hong Kong. She was a part of the Indian side at the 2019 SAFF Championship which was held in Nepal in March. Manisha was the youngest member of the squad and scored one goal in the competition.
Before joining Apollon Ladies FC, Manisha played for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women's League (IWL) for three seasons.
Manisha was chosen as the Women's Player of the Year by AIFF for the 2021-22 season. For her brilliant goal against Brazil, four goals in four games for India and a total of 14 goals in 11 appearances for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women's League.
While speaking with Sports Champ, Manisha Kalyan opened up about how she is eager to take the name of India on the football map.
What was on your mind when you decided to join Apollon Ladies FC?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
