An urge to give their best in football has taken Manisha Kalyan miles ahead as she becomes the first Indian women player to participate in UEFA Women's Champions League representing Apollon Ladies FC. An a-20-year-old woman from Hoshiarpur, Punjab played her first match for Apollon as a substitute player on August 18, 2022.
Apollon Ladies are Women's Club champions of Cyprus, based out of Limassol, the capital city of the island nation. They are taking part in the UEFA Women's Champions League Qualification Round. They beat Riga SFK of Latvia in their first match and would now play Zurich FC. A win could take them to Round 2 of the Qualification and from thereon to the main draw. Manisha hogged the limelight when she scored a goal against Brazil in an international friendly in Manaus.
Manisha Kalyan made her international debut at the age of just 17 back in 2019 in a friendly game in Hong Kong. She was a part of the Indian side at the 2019 SAFF Championship which was held in Nepal in March. Manisha was the youngest member of the squad and scored one goal in the competition.
Before joining Apollon Ladies FC, Manisha played for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women's League (IWL) for three seasons.
Manisha was chosen as the Women's Player of the Year by AIFF for the 2021-22 season. For her brilliant goal against Brazil, four goals in four games for India and a total of 14 goals in 11 appearances for Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women's League.
While speaking with Sports Champ, Manisha Kalyan opened up about how she is eager to take the name of India on the football map.
What was on your mind when you decided to join Apollon Ladies FC?
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Sports Champ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2022 edition of Sports Champ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CULTIVATING TALENT
In the vast expanse of Maharashtra, lies a hub of talent waiting to be unearthed across rural and urban landscapes. Amidst this backdrop, Jay Bhawani Vyayamshala in Manmad stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to nurturing budding athletes in the sport of weightlifting, writes Milind Dhamdhere
DEFYING LIMITS
During my training for the Ironman, known as the planet's most demanding single-day fitness challenge, I came across Ultraman.
India Wins Six Medals at the Polish Grand Prix
India's Paris Olympics quota winners Akhil Sheoran and Anish Bhanwala, along with Niraj Kumar, showcased their prowess as Indian rifle and pistol shooters concluded their Polish Grand Prix campaign with a tally of six medals, including two golds.
The Backbone of Success
In the realm of sports, maternal encouragement propels athletes to greatness. Himanshi Tokas' journey in Judo exemplifies the transformative power of a mother's unwavering belief and support.
Beyond Barriers KRISHNA NAGAR
A left-handed para-badminton player, has turned adversity into triumph, silencing critics with his remarkable achievements. Securing a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics and adding another crown at the recent World Para Championship, Nagar's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
Ameesha Chauhan's Inspiring Journey
Gujarat Giants Clinch Glory
The victorious finale in Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 showdown against Chennai Quick Guns; Odisha Juggernauts beat Telugu Yoddhas to finish third
Soaring Towards Olympic Glory
Murali Sreeshankar, the promising long jump sensation from Palakkad, Kerala, speaks about his medal prospects at the upcoming Olympic Games in an exclusive interview with Sports Champ
Empowering Children with Cerebral Palsy Through Football
Girija Madhu's remarkable dedication to improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy through football. Her selflessness and commitment shine through as she works tirelessly to uplift these kids, providing them with opportunities and hope
TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY
In the world of sports, tales of triumph over adversity often stand out, but none quite as inspiring as Shivani Charak’s journey.
