Two 19-Year-Olds, One Big Chance: Nandini, Sibani Eye India Debuts as Blue Tigresses Brace for Russia Test
For Nandini and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, the upcoming Russia friendlies could be the next important step in their football journeys. Both 19, the youngsters have already made their mark at youth level and are now training alongside the senior India squad, with an opportunity to make the jump to the international stage.
Xtratime Webdesk: For Nandini and Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, the upcoming Russia friendlies could be the next important step in their football journeys. Both 19, the youngsters have already made their mark at youth level and are now training alongside the senior India squad, with an opportunity to make the jump to the international stage. Against a strong Russian side, the duo could get a chance to experience the demands of senior international football for the first time.
The Blue Tigresses are gearing up for two international friendlies against 27th-ranked Russia at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8 and 11, with the two youngsters currently training with the squad at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.
For Nandini, the camp has also brought the opportunity to learn from experienced players and draw inspiration from a familiar name in Indian football. The Chandigarh goalkeeper looks up to India men’s team custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and hopes to continue learning from him.
“Everything in the camp is going well, and I’m getting to learn a lot from the senior players. I also personally look up to Gurpreet bhaiya as an inspiration. I have learned so much from him, and I want to continue learning from him,” she said during an interview.
Sibani’s journey has been shaped by another iconic figure in Indian women’s football. Having first heard about Bala Devi Ngangom during her school days, the youngster found inspiration in the story of India’s all-time leading scorer.
“Bala Devi is my inspiration. When I was in school, I heard her name and read about her in the newspaper. That inspired me to play football,” she mentioned while speaking about her excitement for joining the senior team.
Now, both youngsters find themselves at a different stage of their careers. The Russia games offer them a chance to take lessons from their youth football experience into a senior international environment.
For India, their presence also reflects the importance of giving young players exposure at the highest level. For Nandini and Sibani, however, the focus will be simpler that is, making the most of the opportunity if it comes their way.