MARGAO
Giving due recognition for her performance, India senior women's football team head coach Thomas Dennerby has called up Goa's Michel Castanha for a training camp to be held in Chennai. Castanha's State mate Karishma Shirvoikar has also been called up for the camp
India have been drawn alongside the Kyrgyz Republic and Turkmenistan in Group G of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament 2024 Asian Qualifiers Round 1 to be played in a one-round league format in a centralised venue from April 3 to 11.
In an exclusive conversation with 'The Goan', Castanha talked about their early passion for football. "My mind is always on games. That's why I wanted to see myself as a champion. I grew up with the ball from a young age. Gradually, my love for the game is increasing. I think that's why I can play well,” she said. “I play with the determination to give meaning to the sacrifice of my parents,” she said. Castana is currently practising "daily". She starts her daily practice and trains for at least three hours.
"Now our focus is on showing strength in the preparatory camp. We believe that we will do well there. This is our first step towards the goal of playing to do better for the national team,” said Castanha, who has represented the country 12 times and donned the colours of Gokulam Kerala FC in the Indian Women's League.
“I try to push my teammates through my attitude on the pitch. I try to be hardworking in the games by always running and trying to do my best in a game. You can motivate people by what you are doing on the pitch. So, I think this is the best way I can motivate them.”
