Goal keeper of the Indian National Women’s Football Team Aditi Chauhan became the first Indian woman to play in the English League, but is unsure if she will be able to continue playing, thanks to visa issues and lack of financial aid from the Indian government.
Recently awarded the ‘Woman in Football Award’ at the 3rd Asian Football Awards, Aditi Chauhan – the first choice goalkeeper in the Indian National Football Team – is currently pursuing her dream with the West Ham Ladies Football Club (WHLFC), after being offered a season-long contract at the start of the season.
She is dependent on her parents back home for her expenses, as the football governing body in England does not allow a third-tier club in the women’s league to pay their players or sponsor their visas.
To make matters worse, the Asian Woman Footballer of the Year’s student visa is also due to expire in three months.
A petition filed by Aditi herself on change.org asking the government to help her acquire a work visa and assist her financially, has till date garnered over 10,000 signatures.
The Indian women’s football team which is doing far better than its male counterpart has surely a lot to gain with its goalkeeper playing in the Women’s English Premier League.
The figures say it all. The Indian men’s team is currently ranked 167 out of 209 countries, while the women’s team is ranked 56 out of 177 nations.
Despite this, both the government and private bodies alike have not yet taken any initiative to develop women’s football by hosting tournaments such as the cash-rich Indian Super League for men.
The East London Club’s team for men plays in the much coveted Barclays Premiere League which is the most watched football league in the world.