'My father was mocked by his friends for letting me play football in shorts': Gardener's daughter makes India's U-20 team

Time of India

2 days ago

Khushbu Saroj
AHMEDABAD: When 18-yearold Khushbu Saroj walks on to the pitch at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Aug 6 to face Indonesia in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers, she'll carry more than just a jersey with the Indian tricolour — she'll carry a dream that once seemed impossible.
The daughter of a humble gardener, Khushbu has been named in India's 23-member squad for the continental tournament. Hailing from Ahmedabad, she is joined by Tapi district's Shubhangi Singh as the two Gujarat players in the squad. For Khushbu, this is not just a football match — it's a moment of quiet triumph against years of doubt, social resistance, and hardship.
'My father works as a gardener in people's homes. He used to be ridiculed by his friends for letting me leave the house in shorts to play football,' Khushbu recalls.
'He would often tell me, ' Kuch bhi nahi rakha in sab cheezo mein ' (There's no future in such things). But my mother and sisters never gave up on me. They were my strength.'
Her journey began in the narrow lanes of Ahmedabad, where she first kicked a ball after watching seniors play at her school. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion. But the path wasn't easy. Her father's reluctance and societal judgment weighed heavily on the family.
Still, Khushbu persisted.
It wasn't until she earned a spot in the Gujarat state team that her father's attitude began to shift. 'When I finally wore the India jersey and returned from Thailand after my first international tournament, my parents came to receive me. They were filled with pride,' she says, a smile audible in her voice.
Her coach at Kahaani FC, Lalita Saini, played a pivotal role in her rise. 'Lalita ma'am was like a second mother.
She guided me in everything – diet, discipline, mental strength. When I got injured in 2022 and my parents asked if I should quit the sport, Lalita ma'am told me injuries are just part of a player's life. The real story is in making a comeback.'
Khushbu's father's words today are a stark contrast to the doubts of past: 'I used to stop her when she went for training. Today, I'm proud of her.'
Her mother's eyes well up as she added, 'People used to mock her. Today feels like a dream. We never imagined our daughter would play for India.'
From Ahmedabad to Yangon, Khushbu Saroj's story is one of perseverance, passion, and quiet revolution – a testament to the power of belief in oneself.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!