Young and hungry, they are raring to win

SMALL TOWNS, BIG DREAMS Six of the nine achievers we profile today are teens from dusty towns of the region. Most come from families hard up for funds, but their thirst for perfection and victory is all set to spur them on to the world stage. A 14yearol

BY THE WAY

I love cottage cheese and ladyfinger and avoid junk food like the plague. Stuff like finger chips, burgers and chocolates have no place on my table. Instead, I incorporate a lot of fruit in my diet. Often, my friends poke fun at me for being so paranoid about what I eat, but I take it in my stride. I want to make sure that my diet also helps me to play better game of football. Foreigners often find fault with our diet.

SECOND OPINION

“Kavita hails from a very humble background and she has to cycle around 50km daily from her village to the football ground for the morning and evening training. All this hardship has made her more determined and now she is the proud owner of an assortment of trophies and gold medals.”

–Vinod Loyal, coach

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