Karishma scored 4 goals in the IWL. (TOI Photo)

PANAJI: Seven years after she started kicking the ball around on the beach and played with boys for fun, Karishma Shirvoikar is now setting foot where not many footballers have dared in the past.

The 18-year-old from Odxel, a small sea-side village on the outskirts of the city, has earned herself a training stint with Palamos CF. The Spanish club will get her into the Spanish football system and arrange a trial with CD Fontsanta Fatjo, a professional women's team currently playing in the third division.

"I never imagined I would get such an opportunity but this is the best way forward. My family and I are very happy. This is a big moment for me. Playing with foreign players will only improve my game and make me stronger. I hope I get a coach who encourages and keeps me motivated," Karishma told TOI.

For the Panjim Footballers striker, the opportunity to train in Spain and possibly even win a professional contract is life-changing. Her father, Pushotham, is ailing at home, and mother Anjani, a vegetable vendor, is the sole bread winner for the family.

The path was not easy and was made possible only by the start of the Goa Women's League (GWL) two seasons ago. A initiative of the Goa Football Association and Sesa Football Academy .

'Karishma can inspire many'

The Goa Women's League provided a platform for more than 200 women to display their talent and Karishma was the one who stood out with her nose for goals.

A scholarship programme has now enabled Karishma to chase her dream.

"The Goa Women's League is a successful venture and we want to take this forward. We want to be the pioneers of women's football in India. The outcome of women's football compared to the men can be much more," said Sesa FA president Annanya Agarwal.

Karishma's selection for the first scholarship programme was unquestionable. She helped Panjim Footballers win the GWL for two consecutive seasons and dragged them to the Indian Women's League. Panjim did not qualify for the final round of IWL, but the gifted striker flourished with four goals that made heads turn. Earlier, she had scored the fastest goal - inside 15 seconds - at the Junior Nationals and represented the country at the U-17 Brics Cup in South Africa.

Her physique may not be ideal for European conditions, but it is her skill and hard work that sets her apart.

Things are happening too soon for Karishma who is now waiting to complete her visa formalities and take the first available flight to Spain. The company that runs Sesa FA has business interest in Namibia as well, so more doors may open for the youngster.

"Karishma can inspire so many other girls in the country. She has already opened a window of opportunity by setting an example," said Agarwal.

