Women in cricket and football have never been as popular as their male counterparts. While women in blue have managed to gain recognition in the past few years; the Indian women’s football team still has miles to go.
Female cricketers like Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj proved their mettle on the pitch with stellar innings. But, it’s now time for female footballers step into the limelight they so deserve!
Most of us won’t know but team India lifted the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation Championship) trophy for the 5th consecutive time last Friday. The final match was a head-on between India and Nepal where India sealed its victory with a score of 3-1.
Striker Dalima Chhibber broke the glass ceiling in soccer worldwide with a stunning free-kick at the 26th minute.
A glimpse of my goal scored from a freekick yesterday against Nepal in the final match of the SAFF Championship, 2019.
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.#Saffchampionship #ShePower #IndianFootball #Champions pic.twitter.com/6JehH0UAlb— Dalima Chhibber (@DalimaChhibber) March 23, 2019
The 21-year-old Delhi-born footballer replicated Ronaldinho’s legendary free-kick against England in the 2002 World Cup. Chhibber smashed the ball past the keeper from 30 yards away from the goal letting it fly above the player’s heads.
The crowd burst into cheer for the champion who was later voted as the most valuable player of the tournament.
Have a look at Ronaldinho’s super powerful free-kick in 2002 World Cup.
The striker shared the video on Twitter which is being loved and shared by many proud Indians. She has garnered praise from many for her stunning free-kick. The two other goals for India came from Dangmei Grace and Anju Tamang in the second half.
Don't tell me that sky is the limit when I can 'Bend it like Beckham'.#TeamIndia's @DalimaChhibber sends a massive screamer freekick into the back of the net against Nepal in the SAFF Women's Championship Finals! @IndianFootball @OfficiaIDB pic.twitter.com/L52CCy6Sbv
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) March 23, 2019
27' – Sorry, but that was so effing brilliant from @DalimaChhibber!
We've been run all over in the first 30 minutes and that goal could just as well ease the pressure!
NEP 0-1 IND
Stream: https://t.co/BnIsKN2kCw#IndianFootball #BackTheBlue #HerGameToo #ShePower #NEPvIND
— Women's Football India (@WomensFootieIND) March 22, 2019
What an absolute screamer from @DalimaChhibber today !! Well deserved MVP of the match Dolz https://t.co/Tbj2j1jSoy
— Aditi Chauhan GK 🇮🇳 (@aditi03chauhan) March 22, 2019
What a superb free kick by @DalimaChhibber. Fabulous control and power from 30 yards out. https://t.co/MkIFrtBAMd
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) March 23, 2019
Brilliant! Remember Ronaldinho's free kick from the same spot against England in the 2002 World Cup?
— Sachin Kalbag (@SachinKalbag) March 23, 2019
Even David Beckham would be proud of that one. Brilliant stuff.
— Mayank Pande 🇮🇳 (@MPande04) March 23, 2019
Men's team have to learn set pieces from @DalimaChhibber ⚽🙌❤
— Karan (@karanj420) March 22, 2019
Proud and honored to receive the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD of the SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP, 2019. .
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.#shepower #justthebeginning #indianteam #indianwomensfootballteam #dalimachhibber #DC17 #indianfootball #womenfootballers #womeninsoccer #WomenInSports #BlueTigresses pic.twitter.com/pW2lTJbNK4— Dalima Chhibber (@DalimaChhibber) March 24, 2019
Now that’s what we call a wonder goal! Congratulations team India! Keep making us proud!