Goa girl Karishma Shirvoikar earns football training session, trial in Spain

The 18-year-old from Odxel, a village situated near the seashore on the outer part of the city, has earned a training programme with Palamos CF. The Spanish club will train her and will arrange a trial with CD Fontsanta Fatjo, a team playing in the third division.

Panaji: Karishma Shirvoikar, a name whom not everyone is familiar with, is now setting her footsteps where not many footballers from India have reached in the past. The opportunity has come to her way after seven years of tremendous struggle.

The 18-year-old from Odxel, a village situated near the seashore on the outer part of the city, has earned a training programme with Palamos CF. The Spanish club will train her and will arrange a trial with CD Fontsanta Fatjo, a team playing in the third division.

The opportunity to train in Spain can be defined as a life-changing moment for Karishma. Her father, Pushotham, is ailing at home, and mother Anjali, who sells vegetables, is the sole bread earner in the family.

The path was not smooth at all and made possible only after the start of the Goa Women's League (GWL) two years ago. This initiative provided a platform for more than 200 women to showcase their talent but Karishma was the one who stood tall among them.

A scholarship programme also now started which will help Karishma to chase her dream.

Her selection for the first scholarship programme was undoubtable. Her physique maybe not suitable for European conditions, but due to pure skills and hard work she achieved the feat.

All the things are happening too fast for Karishma who is patiently waiting for the completion of visa formalities and take the first available flight for Spain.