You can’t get past her

RITU DEVI, 14 Foootball player, Sadalpur, Hisar

BECAUSE

She was part of the India under-16 Football team that won the SAFF Cup held in Bhutan in August this year. This young football player was also part of the under-16 AFC qualifiers tournament held in Mongolia. She plays on the defence position on her team.

SECRET OF SUCCESS

Success can only be achieved with a combination of hard work and confidence. My parents’ motivation and my coach’s words of wisdom have stood me in good stead all my life. It is very important to be passionate about the game in order to succeed in it. I never skip training regardless of the weather or the state of my health. Fitness goes a long way in determining ones success.

THE GOAL NEXT

I want to be the world’s best player. It is my dream to participate in the Olympics. I have started young and I think I can go places if I keep my focus and work hard.

MY ROLE MODEL

I idolize Kaku ma’am, who plays left defence. I want to play as fiercely as she does.

BY THE WAY

Studies are very important for me. Mathematics and English are my favourite subjects. I found Priyanka Chopra’s performance in Mary Kom very inspiring.

SECOND OPINION

“She has a natural talent for the game. Both her brothers are defenders too. Earlier, she’d wait for a chance to play and but as soon as entered the field her talent shone through. She has repeatedly exceeded our expectations. She is very passionate about football.” –Vinod Loyal, coach