Pyari Xaxa Revs Up for Asian Games 2023
Indian women’s football is gearing up for the Asian Games 2023, and the return of Pyari Xaxa, affectionately known as the ‘Ferrari’ of the team, may be the missing piece in the squad’s attack. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently unveiled the official squad, with Sunil Chhetri leading the men’s team, putting an end to the controversies that had surrounded the selection process.
Amidst the men’s team tumult, the Blue Tigresses, India’s women’s football team, have been diligently preparing at the Odisha Football Academy in Bhubaneswar. After whittling down a preparatory list of 34 players, they have settled on a 22-member squad that is set to depart for Hangzhou, China.
A notable presence among these athletes is Pyari Xaxa, hailing from Odisha and celebrated for her lightning-fast pace. Xaxa, dubbed the ‘Ferrari’ of the women’s team, has been impressing on the training ground, showcasing her dribbling skills, scoring prowess, and her eagerness to make a mark after a year-long absence from the national team.
She shared her aspirations, saying, “The first thought is to practice well. It is my dream to return to the Indian team (starting line-up) and give my best. I’ll take every step as it comes.”
Having made her senior team debut in 2015 at just 18 years old, Xaxa played a crucial role when India clinched gold in the 2016 South Asian Games. She has since become a key figure in Odisha’s attack and one of India’s most promising forwards, alongside players like Manisha Kalyan and Ngangom Bala Devi.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu
