Streaming into the city like rays of sunshine, players from underprivileged areas from all over India are currently participating in the Slum Soccer initiative, a national football championship for men and women who live in slums or on the streets. On Saturday, this paper highlighted the story of a young woman player, the Vidarbha team’s goalie. It is one of determination and will power triumphing over adversity like intense poverty, living with an alcoholic, beatings by parents who wanted her to adhere to social mores and stereotypes that say girls do not play football. The talented and fiery girl broke through all those shackles to play.

While hers is one story, sadly it isn’t the only one. Even now, all over India – in smaller towns, especially – women are not encouraged to go out and play. Talent is not allowed to bloom and girls are told they cannot dare to dream.