"Unity in diversity" in the current Indian women's senior side is the 'core strength' and 'secret of bonding' between players, says team goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan.
"When I first started playing for the national team, it was majorly dominated by players from Manipur. But it has become more of a diverse team now. The team has a lot of characters - a pan Indian representation which helps unify the team," Aditi said in a recent chat with AIFF TV.
"The unity in diversity is our core strength - the secret of our bonding. We are all together in the team with one mission - to represent the country. That is what defines us. We get to interact with lots of characters from whom we get to learn so much. Everyone has a different story to tell -- their journey, struggle, conditions at home, and much more," she added.
The 27-year-old also made a mention about how women`s football has adopted a more pan Indian approach pushing the quality Manipuri players for a slot in the squad.
"The competition for places in the team has grown - everyone is pushing each other. No one is comfortable as there are new kids coming from all over and securing slots in the squad. That`s how the team has grown, and the results have come out so well," she said.
The Delhi-based goalkeeper believes more "younger girls" will follow in the footsteps of Manipuri striker Bala Devi. Bala currently on a professional contract with Rangers FC, becoming the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract in Europe.
"Bala is a gem of a player and her move to Rangers is amazing. The standard of play, the culture is so different. It`s a total professional set-up in Europe. The experience which she will gain will benefit not just her, but Indian Football in general," she explained.
"Whenever she comes back to play for the national team, we`d eagerly wait to hear about her experiences. I am sure she`ll love to share all of that - especially with the U-17 girls. Her knowledge will matter a lot shaping the career of younger girls," Aditi opined.
Talking about the potential that the country`s youth possesses, Aditi demands more exposure to girls to level-up their game by playing against tough teams.
"There`s so much potential in India. I want more girls to get such exposures, and learn from playing against better opponents. With more avenues for younger girls coming up, I am sure there will be others who will follow in Bala`s footsteps," Aditi concluded.
