While Manisha and Malavika made their India debuts as part of the starting XI, Priyadharshini got her first cap when she replaced Dangmei Grace in the 74th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Manisha Naik, May 30, will forever be etched in memory. \u201cI was really happy and proud when I got the call-up. It felt surreal. But I was also nervous, wondering how I would perform in my first match. Thankfully, the seniors supported me and helped me settle in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her rise has been steady and impressive \u2013 seven goals for Sports Odisha in the 2022\u201323 Odisha Women\u2019s League, followed by a standout season with Nita FA in the 2024\u201325 IWL, where she netted a brace against HOPS FC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While India didn\u2019t clinch the win on her debut, Manisha\u2019s perspective remained positive. \u201cWe tried to give our best, but the match didn\u2019t go our way. Still, we\u2019ll come back stronger. We\u2019ve seen how Uzbekistan play and will use that experience to prepare better for the next game,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At age 21, Malavika P from Kasargod, Kerala, is known for her pace and creativity on the wing. Her footballing journey has been one of steady rise. Starting from sub-junior levels, she worked her way in women\u2019s football in her state, even being named the Best Female Player of 2024 in Kerala, by the Kerala Football Association. Thereafter, she worked her way to Sethu FC, where she has played a crucial role in the 2024-25 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were people in my own village who criticised me for playing football, but my mother stood by me through it all. She\u2019s my strength. So is my coach and family, they\u2019ve been my backbone, and it\u2019s because of their support that I\u2019m here today,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking back at her international debut, she said, \u201cIt\u2019s my first match for India, and honestly, I don\u2019t even know how to put this feeling into words. I\u2019m just so happy and proud. It\u2019s like a dream come true. We played well, but this is football anything can happen. What matters now is that we come back stronger.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When Priyadharshini Selladurai pulled on the Indian jersey for the first time, it was more than just a personal milestone, it was a moment of pride for her village, her family, and every young girl who dares to dream. The 22-year-old midfielder from Savalakaran village in Tiruchirappalli became the first-ever player from her community to represent India at the senior level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting that my dream is coming true. I\u2019ve been waiting for this chance to wear the India jersey and represent my country,\u201d she said. Her football journey began back in sixth standard when her school coach, V. Muthukumar, encouraged her to pursue the sport despite societal barriers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When Priyadharshini Selladurai pulled on the Indian jersey for the first time, it was more than just a personal milestone, it was a moment of pride for her village, her family, and every young girl who dares to dream. The 22-year-old midfielder from Savalakaran village in Tiruchirappalli became the first-ever player from her community to represent India at the senior level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n