XtraTime Web Desk: The news which could have been a huge one for Indian football, got shattered as India based Brishti Bagchi almost fulfilled her dream of moving to Spain to play the La Liga and to become the first ever to do so.
India based football player Brishti Bagchi was afforded a rare chance, when she was invited to train and play football in Spain, professionally. However, she is now facing a race against time in order to arrange for finances for her foreign tour, after the All India Football Federation reportedly refused to help her. Though The AIFF Senior Vice President Subrata Dutta has told xtratime.in , “The AIFF is not here for doing charity to anyone. Does she play for any age group for the Indian National Team? Then why would we help her? AIFF’s money is not our personal money. This is public money and cannot be done like that.”
Bagchi repeated her story for an organization, who are running the crowdfunding campaign in her name. He recalled her training in Spain while also making her fans aware of her current situation:
“While training in Spain, I was evaluated by David Arroyo, a UEFA A licensed coach who saw great potential in me and offered me an opportunity to play football in Spain professionally. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which would allow me to play in the Division 1 La Liga and represent my country in football one day.”
“I am currently trying to achieve this dream and need your financial support for 1 season, during this very crucial turning point in my career. I want to represent India both at a national and international platform in the years to come. This initiative will not only help me but it could also open up more avenues for women and girls like me who aspire to play football professionally.”
Bagchi has been playing football since the age of 7. She was invited to the United States of America to trial for the Oklahoma City University Team. There she went through her training and development to finally play for the Oklahoma City Women’s Soccer Team.
The India-born footballer was invited by Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino of La Liga Division 1 for one month and trained with Madrid CFF and DSEDU Soccer. The campaign to help her continue playing in Spain ends in less than two months.