Indian Goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan bids adieu to Football

Overview

• Aditi Chauhan, the Goalkeeper of the Indian Women's Football team, announced her retirement from Internationals
• The 32-year-old hinted at taking up a coaching role if she gets an opportunity
• In 2015, she became the first Indian Footballer to sign in the Women's Super League

Indian Football will miss one of its gems, as Aditi Chauhan, the Goalkeeper of the National Women's team, announced her retirement from Internationals. The star player played 57 matches for India and won the Gold Medal in the South Asian Games, and claimed the SAFF Women's Championship in 2012, 2016, and 2019.

In 2015, she became the first Indian Footballer to sign in the Women's Super League with West Ham United. Aditi spoke in an interview after her retirement and claimed she was unaware of the Indian National Women's Football team. She claimed to have never imagined that she would achieve everything she has. 

"Playing football, I didn't know there was a national team first of all. So I started because of the fun of the game. When I started, I never imagined that, you know, everything that I achieved... it was not even a dream that I could imagine," Aditi Chauhan said.

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When asked if she would be willing to become a coach, Chauhan hinted at being one, although she did not want to commit to the role. 

"I would love to. These last few years, I've been mentoring the other goalkeepers. I enjoy that role. I don't want to commit to getting into coaching. But yes, I would definitely like to help out," the 32-year-old added.

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"I had to again earn that spot in the West Ham starting 11" - Aditi Chauhan

In 2024, she suffered a major ACL tear, which meant she was out of action. However, Aditi made a strong comeback into the side and found her joy in the game. When asked about her contract with West Ham United, Aditi claimed she earned it and was proud to don the jersey.

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"Last year, when I came back from my second ACL and played the IWL (Indian Women's League), my whole reason for coming back... was to find that joy again. I didn't want to leave football on a sour note with an injury. There were other goalkeepers playing. So, I had to again earn that spot in the West Ham starting 11... I knew that once I'm back on the field, I'll earn my number one spot. And I did," Chahaun added in her statement.