MARGAO
International footballer Michel Castana feels India getting the hosting rights of the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup is nothing short of a revolution in the country.
“The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a great opportunity for India to put women’s football on the world map and galvanise it. I feel we can win a match in the FIFA World Cup for sure,” Castana told 'The Goan' on Sunday.
"I am just really excited to see some of the best young talents in the world playing on Indian soil. I just hope we play very well, both in terms of how we’re going to perform as a team and as a host, which is really crucial,” Castana added.
"There are very few countries in the world with professional women’s leagues. There are some in North America and a number of them are there in Europe. So, when you look at it from a global context, the Indian Women’s League is a good initiative from the AIFF and with this tournament women’s football will go to the next level in the country," Castana said.
"FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is a great opportunity for the future of Indian women’s football. Women’s football has been on an upward surge and the Indian Women’s League has played a massive role,” the India defender said.
Michel hails from Curtorim village, which is known as a cradle of footballers. She urged the fans and parents to support the young girls in any way they can ahead of the World Cup. "I think as a sportswoman I realise that without fans we are nothing. So I think their support is essential. If your children want to play, then support them in improving forward in the sport," she said.
Castanha also congratulated Valanka Alemao and Climax Lawrence on being elected on the AIFF executive committee and technical committee respectively. "The duo in the AIFF will boost the football in the State," Castanha said.
