As big time sports enthusiasts ourselves, nothing gives us more joy than watching young girls play and take up sports professionally. We interviewed Ankita Sapre, a 26 year old footballer from Mumbai who gave us an insight to what it takes to be a professional footballer and ofcourse a hardcore football fan!

How did you develop an interest in football?

I started playing football at the age of 15 with a bunch of boys and that's where I knew I loved the sport immensely! I'd train with the boys almost everyday and held myself at par with them! I then went on to join a girls team and from there represented Mumbai University and my college.

Who is your favourite player and favorite team and why?

My favourite player would be Cristiano Ronaldo. I started watching football because of him and my favourite team is Manchester United. I support them because back in 7th grade Ronaldo was my idol and obviously I supported the team he would play for and that sort of stuck on.

How do you react to your favourite team's defeat?

My reaction when my team loses would be an angry post on my social media (almost all the time) and I think I am upset for at least a whole day.

Do you intend to take football professionally?

I did take up football professionally when I joined various clubs and played in the women's league and represented Mumbai University as well.

What are the challenges you faced while pursuing football professionally?

The challenges I faced would be the same as every woman, there is no recognition and no money in women's sports and that’s the biggest drawback faced by not just me but every other woman athlete out there.

What will be your reaction if India has a women's football team that plays in major leagues?

I would be awestruck, proud and utterly excited that the women’s team has finally got to the stage they deserve to be in and get the recognition they deserve!

What’s your opinion on women and men playing together in one team?

I think men and women playing together in the same team would only strengthen the team, make it more diverse and change the gameplay drastically.

Any message for the youngsters especially girls who wish to take up football as their career?

Things are changing, do not give up! Where there is a will there's a way!