For a bunch of Indian women football players hailing from humble backgrounds, life in the last one year has revolved around playing in the AFC Asian Cup and with that taking a shot at the elusive FIFA World Cup but that dream lay shattered after COVID-19 knocked them out of the tournament.
From captain Ashalata Devi to the youngest in the squad, Hemam Shilky Devi, the Asian Cup was a once in a lifetime opportunity and all of them were looking forward to qualify for the quarter-finals, which would have also taken them to the 2023 World Cup, before they were left heartbroken.
If not a World Cup berth, they would have made it to the intercontinental play-offs which would have been historic in Indian football. But it is now in the realm of ifs and buts after 12 players tested positive for the virus and the match against Chinese Taipei was called off.
The Asian Football Confederation on Monday confirmed that India are deemed to have withdrawn from the continental showpiece.
“Absolutely devastated,” said senior player and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan aptly capturing the sentiment within the squad right now. “In the last one year, our lives have revolved around the Asian Cup. Our sole aim was to qualify for quarter-finals and take a shot at the World Cup,” said another player.
“We are extremely sad and disappointed at the moment. But it is not the end of the world and the hope that we will get chances to achieve this in future if we keep on doing well is giving us solace.”
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