New Delhi: News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses is not just a football talent hunt initiative, it is a platform to realise dreams and a catalyst for achieving ambitions. Ask the ‘Fab 32’ – the top young footballers of India selected to train in Austria after rigorous trials all across the country – and they will tell you how the landmark talent hunt programme has changed their lives.
Thousands of talented kids participated in the unique talent hunt programme but only a select few made it to the final. 15-year-old Haryana girl Khushbu is among the elite list of young players who will get the golden opportunity to train with the best in the business in Austria.
Hailing from Alakhpura village in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, where football is more than just a sport, Khushbu’s story stands as an inspiration.
Being born in the Alakhpura also known as the “Mini Brazil” of India, playing football came naturally to Khushbu. The small North Indian village is known for its strong footballing tradition and for producing numerous female footballers. Some have even made it to the Indian national team including Sanju Yadav and Ritu Rani, so it was not surprising that Khushbu found her passion at the tender age of three.
The unwavering support of her parents played a crucial role in her footballing journey which was filled with obstacles. Dedication, hard work, passion and a strong support system provided by her parents and teacher were Khushbhu’s biggest tools to overcome those hurdles.
Jaba maian bachchon ko khelte dekhane the to mera man bhi karata tha ki main football kheloon to mera support mero mummya papa aur ma’am ne kiya tha. “(When I used to watch kids play football, I also wanted to join them. My mom, dad and ma’am supported me in realising my dream)”, Khusbhu told News9 in an exclusive interaction.
She was ultimately rewarded when she joined the Alakhpura Football Club, where her coaches helped refine her skills. With hard work and determination, she became a standout player, winning numerous tournaments and earning accolades for her performances.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence has now led her to a golden opportunity. Khushbu is among the few selected from 500 girls who participated in News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses campaign by TV9 Network.
As part of this initiative, Khushbu will travel to Austria to train with some of the best coaches in Europe and gain international exposure that could shape her future in football. Her parents, who have played a pivotal role in her extraordinary journey are overwhelmed with pride, knowing that their daughter’s dreams are turning into reality.
From a small village to the grand stage of European football, Khushbu’s journey is just the beginning of something special.
(Reporting inputs from Upamanyu Sanyal)
15-year-old Haryana girl Khushbu is one of the 32 young football stars to get a golden opportunity through News9’s landmark Indian Tigers and Tigresses campaign. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
