Manisha Kalyan creates record to become the first Indian to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League

Manisha Kalyan has become the first Indian to feature among both men and women to feature in the UEFA Champions league

author-image
Akshay
New Update
Manisha Kalyan

Manisha Kalyan (Image Source: Twitter)

Manisha Kalyan has become the first Indian to feature in the UEFA Champions League after she made her debut for Apollon Ladies FC in the European Club competition in Engomi, Cyprus. In a match between Apollon Ladies FC and SFK Riga, Manisha was brought in as a substitute at the stroke of the 60th minute.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was suspended by FIFA due to "undue influence from third parties" and the country has also been stripped of the right to host the 2022 Under-17 Women's World Cup, scheduled for October. Manisha Kalyan told the Times of India about her experience and said that it felt important for her personal growth as well.

"Coach (Laurent Fassotte) had told me before the match to be prepared and that I would get some time in the match, even if it was for 10-15 minutes. So I had begun preparing myself. I was telling myself that I needed to be ready, to give my very best. The entire time, the focus was on giving my best for the club," she said to Times of India.

She added that she had played a lot of intense matches for India and felt her debut match at the UEFA champions league was less intense. To add cherry on top of the cake, the debutant's side won the match 3-0.

"I was a bit concerned that it was my first match for the club and I had got about one and a half months of training with them. Communication was also a bit of a worry ahead of the match. But once I was in, my teammates were supportive and also appreciated my game," she added.
Manisha Kalyan has now become the second Indian to play for a foreign franchise this year alongside Dangmei Grace, who is with Uzbek club PFC Sevinch Karshi. Kalyan donned the same number 12 jersey that she donned at Gokulam Kerala. Needless to say, the young player has made India proud once again.
The Indian head coach Thomas Dennerby, earlier, appreciated the young winger for her exceptional skills.
Football