Never giving up on her dreams to pursue a professional career in football is what school teacher and Team Fiji Women’s Football representative Sindhika Shayal hopes to inspire other young female athletes.
Shayal who is from Vunivau in Labasa says she fell in love with the sport at a young age after joining her brother and other male relatives playing the sport as there were not many girls in their area took part in sports.
The 30-year-old says she was surprised to be called up for National duties last year during the 2022 Pacific Women's Four Nations Tournament under coach Lisa Coles.
She says it was surprising because she thought she was too old to be part of the National side team and was glad that the opportunity came to her to represent her country and be an inspiration to young female athletes wanting to take up football as a sport.
She adds that it was a dream of hers to play professional football but she thought this could not happen to someone, especially a Labasa girl who started playing late.
Shayal further says that it's hard trying to be a professional sportsperson, so having her faith to fall back on is a huge bonus and one that can carry her through difficult times.
The Tabia Primary School teacher will be participating in her first-ever Pacific Games which will be held from the 19th of November to the 2nd of December in the Solomon Islands.
Source: FASANOC
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