Frequent fixtures help the players maintain fitness, says Maymol Rocky
Indian women’s football team head coach Maymol Rocky believes that frequent participation in international competitions has helped her team maintain fitness. Rocky also revealed her delight in the growth of women’s football, particularly with the 2020 FIFA U-17 World Cup being held in India.
The women’s football team has had a busy schedule this year - the Hero Gold Cup, the SAFF Championship, the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 in Myanmar, an exposure tour of Turkey, the COTIF Cup in Spain, and two international friendlies against Uzbekistan - have all made the list of the already completed assignments for this year.Â
“We are playing tournaments or international matches at frequent intervals. We now have camps almost every month now, and that is something that helps the players keep up their fitness,” said Rocky, reported PTI.
And now the team has assembled in New Delhi for a training camp ahead of two FIFA international friendlies against Vietnam next month. “Vietnam is a very good team, and playing tough opposition like them is crucial for the development of our side. They have recently beaten Thailand, which is a World Cup team, so they definitely have quality,” Rocky said while speaking to the media on the first day of the camp.
“It’s clear the women’s team and women’s football in India is growing. The girls are getting better, and the future definitely looks brighter for them. We are prepared for the challenge, and we’ll give it our best in the two matches against them,” she said.
Rocky further pointed out that women’s football in India is on an upward swing, especially as India prepare to play host for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup next year. Â
“A lot of tournaments are coming up. Before, if you see the NFC champions, it was mostly restricted to states like Manipur or West Bengal. Now other states are also growing in women’s football. I’m happy that the women in our country are getting the chances now,” she said.
“I am very happy that we are hosting the World Cup. By the time the World Cup comes, the awareness about women’s football will grow exponentially,” Rocky added.
