New Delhi: Khushboo Saroj, a 16-year-old football player from Ahmedabad, is all set to represent Gujarat at the national level. Khushboo Saroj is the only player from Gujarat to find a spot in the recently announced Indian Women’s Team for AFC Under-17 Women Championship Qualifier Round-II. Amid the dominance of female football players from Manipur and Odisha in the national squad, a Gujarati girl has made the State’s Football proud by securing her a spot on the basis of her fabulous performance. Khushboo will depart for Thailand to participate in the qualifier round 2 of the AFC Under-17 Women’s Championship.
Shri Parimal Nathwani, President, of Gujarat State Football Association, congratulated Khushboo on her achievement and wished her all the success for the future. He also announced a cash reward of ₹25,000 as a token of encouragement.
Last year, Khushboo became the youngest female football player to represent Gujarat in the 36th National Games hosted by the state. Khushboo also scored the highest 6 goals for Gujarat’s Senior Women’s Team in the National Championship. Khushboo’s parents have undergone a lot of struggles so that she can reach this level. Khushboo Saroj’s coach Lalita Sahaniand Kahani Football Academy founder Manisha Shah made crucial contributions to her success.
Gujarat State Football Association is working consistently and tirelessly for the development of girls’ football in the state, and for that purpose, it organizes Inter District Football Tournaments as well as State Women’s Inter-Club League Tournaments for female players of different age groups. For the 2023-24 season, Khelo India Girl’s Football League for Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups will be organized. All these tournaments will be organized with the support of All India Football Federation and the Sports Authority of India along with the Sports Authority of Gujarat.
