Vizag railway stadium empowers women footballers with specialized training

Visakhapatnam: The All India Railway Women's Football Coaching Camp is progressing at the Vizag Railway Stadium, with the “first-ever” women's batch of footballers receiving specialised training.

A total of 24 women players hailing from various railway zones are attending the training programme, which commenced on August 21 and would conclude on Sept 20. The primary objective is to prepare these athletes for the prestigious senior national railway tournament.

Manpreet Kaur, a seasoned footballer who represented the Railway Football Team seven times, is among the participants. Now 33 years old, she began her football journey at age 12. Speaking to Deccan Chronicles, Kaur said women's sports should receive equal recognition. "While women's cricket has won fame, it's time other sports are also highlighted.”

She said the players lacked financial support from their families or other sources. Male athletes get better amenities and healthcare compared to their female counterparts. While certain organisations have extended their support to us, we passionately seek more recognition and essential amenities."

Nobiachan, another participant aged 34, echoed Kaur's sentiments. She stressed the need for gender equality in sports. Both Kaur and Nobiachan are unwavering in their determination to excel and represent their respective railway zones at the railway national football tournament in November.