Bolstered by AFC Asian Cup qualification, Manisha aims for FIFA World Cup & Olympics

India's star footballer Manisha Kalyan said she harbours the dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, a belief that has been bolstered by the national team's qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia next year.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Manisha, the only Indian to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League, was the cynosure of all eyes at the ASMITA under-13 girls' league held at the Nehru Stadium here on Friday. She described ASMITA as "a rare platform for young girls to realise their football dreams."

Addressing the eight participating teams in the Guwahati leg, the 23-year-old shared her personal aspirations and the growing confidence within the Indian national setup.

"I am still dreaming of playing in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. After we qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia next year, our belief has grown stronger," she said.