ANI
23 Feb 2021, 12:48 GMT+10
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 23 (ANI): Goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam's career has been on a steep rise since making her breakthrough with eye-catching displays in the 2018 Youth Olympics, a tournament where India clinched the historic Silver medal. In the following year, she was named 'Goalkeeper of the Tournament' in the 4 Nations Junior Women Invitational in Dublin and was fast-tracked to the senior squad.
Bichu now has to compete with seasoned campaigners such as Savita Punia and Rajani Etimarpu for a spot in the Indian team. But the 20-year-old is calm about her role with the senior team and is relishing training alongside her seniors.
"Savita didi and Rajani didi help me a lot," Bichu said. "I approach them with my doubts and are more than happy to help me out. Even they ask me about their weaknesses, and how they can go about correcting them despite me being new at the senior level. They treat me like a friend...or like a sister. They've given me a lot of love and I respect them a lot."Part of the Core Probable Group that is training for the Olympic Games, Bichu understands this is a great opportunity for her to make an impression and imbibe the qualities it takes to be a standout goalkeeper.
"I get really excited just thinking about the Olympics. Because it's such a big tournament, I have to work harder. I'm trying to absorb all the advice my seniors and coaches have been giving me," she stated.
The Manipuri earned some much-needed game time during the team's tour of Argentina last month. India didn't get a win against the world No 2 side but were praised for the resilience and character they showed in each of the matches.
"I was delighted to get back on the pitch while playing against Argentina," Bichu reflected on her team's first tour after more than a year. "We played with a lot of spirit and passion. I was nervous during the first game, playing after such a long gap. But it got better as time progressed.
"Previously, we used to be beaten by huge margins against Argentina, but I think, our defence held strong throughout the tour. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," she added.
For young Bichu, aspiring to play at the Tokyo Olympics is just the beginning. She has mapped out her plans for the future. "I want to play in all of them - Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and as many Olympic Games possible," she said brimming with determination. (ANI)Get a daily dose of Japan Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Japan Herald.
More InformationBRISBANE, Queensland, Australia - Two French girls barely out of high school remain behind bars after their arrival into Australia's...
Singapore City [Singapore], July 13 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Singapore counterpart Vivian...
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 13 (ANI): In association with the Embassy of Nepal in India, PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre organised...
New Caledonia will be granted statehood, but not full independence France has agreed to grant greater autonomy to its Pacific territory...
(Photo credit: The Story Mob) Only two teams allowed more points than Team Heretics in group play of the Valorant tournament at the...
(Photo credit: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters via Imagn Images) Talor Gooch wrapped up a long day on the course at LIV Golf Andalucia by shooting...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Filmmaker Peter Jackson's lifelong fascination with the extinct giant New Zealand flightless bird called the moa...
NEW DELHI, India: India has submitted a revised proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva to implement retaliatory tariffs...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Nvidia, the Silicon Valley chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom, this week briefly...
REDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...