Page 150 - Sanidhya 2025

The word “retire” has taken on a new meaning in today’s
context — When asked about injuries and setbacks, she shares:

“Getting Tired Again.” Retirement is no longer the end, but “Setbacks and injuries were part of my journey, and they
rather a new beginning. One must work even harder and taught me resilience. I saw them as opportunities to grow.
pursue what one truly longs for. With every injury, I came back stronger. As for criticism, I
learnt not to take it personally. If it’s constructive, I take it
This is exactly what our India International Women on board.”
Footballer, Aditi Chauhan, firmly believes in.
She fondly remembers her days in CRPF. Beautiful old
Having earned 57 national caps over a successful 17-year memories bring a smile to her face.
career, Aditi officially hung up her gloves on 17th July
2025. She belongs to the CRPF family, being the daughter “Those were some of the most disciplined and formative
of Retired IG Abhay V. Chauhan, and she has always made years of my life. Growing up in that environment taught
India, CRPF, and her family immensely proud. me structure, respect for rules, and the importance of hard
Exactly a decade after work. Watching officers
becoming the first and jawans train inspired
Indian woman to play me to stay dedicated. The
professional football in encouragement of sports
the UK, the trailblazer within the CRPF played a
decided to put a full big role in shaping my
stop to her illustrious career.”
career.
Aditi acknowledges that
Aditi’s story serves as even today, young girls
an inspiration to many face significant challenges
young, aspiring players. in pursuing sports and
Her journey has been convincing their parents to
filled with highs and support their dreams.
lows — from facing Beyond that, there are
visa issues in the UK, to deeper hurdles — financial
seeking playing insecurity, lack of sustain-
opportunities abroad, ability, social stigma,
balancing academics gender bias, and mental
with football, battling health issues.
injuries including two
ACL tears, undergoing surgeries, and yet remaining India’s “Staying strong mentally is just as important as physical
No.1 woman goalkeeper. training. Stay patient, stay hungry, and never stop believing
in yourself. Enjoy the journey, and keep working hard —
Reflecting on the day of her first selection to the Indian the friendships and lessons you gain through sports are
football team, she says: priceless.”

“It was an unforgettable moment — the first time I held This is indeed treasured advice for all young minds —
that jersey with the India badge on it. It wasn’t just a kit; it coming from someone who has faced adversity, fought
was a symbol of all the sacrifices, struggles, and dreams stigma, and come out stronger. That is what truly defines
coming true. Now, I would be representing 1.4 billion her.
people on the field.”
Aditi is widely known for her strong will and unwavering On retiring from professional football, Aditi reflects:
commitment.