Kolhapur's Anju Turambekar has added yet another 'first' to her impressive CV in the world of football. Yesterday she was appointed to the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Grassroots Development Panel. Last year, she became the first Indian woman to earn an AFC 'A' license in coaching and is currently heading the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) grass root program.

Her latest appointment is a pleasant surprise for the young football administrator. "I never expected such a big opportunity and that too at the Asian level, at this age. When I got to know of my appointment on this panel, I was stunned. At the same time, I was happy because it's a huge responsibility. In India, football is a male-dominated sport so when organisations like the AIFF and AFC show faith in my abilities, I believe it's my responsibility to strive hard to take football forward," Turambekar, 30, told mid-day over the phone from New Delhi yesterday.