India’s top scorer

ANJU, 15 Footballer, Sadalpur, Hisar

BECAUSE

She was part of the India under-16 Football team that won the SAFF U-15 Cup held in Bhutan in August this year. She was also part of the U-16 AFC qualifiers tournament held in Mongolia. She is a striker for her team.

SECRET OF SUCCESS

I make it a point to exercise everyday. My day is not complete unless I have cycled for 7km.

Though undoubtedly hard work is important, I cannot emphasise enough on the importance of using the correct techniques. I watch a lot of games to learn these tricks.

THE GOAL NEXT

I want our team to participate in the World Cup. Hope this dream come true in near future.

MY ROLE MODEL

I am absolutely in awe of Ngangom Bala Devi, who plays in the right-wing. I simply love the way she focuses during a game. I am also very grateful to my coach Vinod Loyal. Because of financial limitations, my father was reluctant to let me play. Sir told my father that instead of investing in my brothers, he should focus on me as I have natural talent for football. Thankfully, my father heeded his advice. My brothers left the sport after a while but I stuck to it.

BY THE WAY

I enjoy listening to Punjabi songs. I also like to watch the tele-series Jiji Ma.

SECOND OPINION

“Anju had to face many obstacles in order to play. Her father had banned her from playing football but she had a natural spark so I cajoled her father into letting her play and my faith in her has not gone vain. She is one of the top scorers.”

–Vinod Loyal, coach