For many young footballers in India, the dream of representing the country and building a career overseas remains a dream. Aveka Singh turned both into reality. Having represented India at youth and senior levels, studied and played collegiate football in the United States, and experienced professional football in Europe, Aveka’s journey is unique.
Athletic India caught up with Aveka to discuss her football journey, life abroad, and her vision for the future of the women’s game in India.
1. Football is still an unconventional career choice for many girls in India. Could you tell us how your interest in football first developed? What role did your family play in your journey, and how did they react when football started becoming more than just a hobby for you?
There wasn’t one obvious moment that sparked my interest in football. I used to play for fun with my dad at home, and my uncle also played football in college. My family has been extremely supportive throughout my journey. When I started representing India at the youth level around the age of 13, they were incredibly proud and always encouraged me to keep pushing myself. They never questioned my dreams and supported every decision I made in football.
2. You have represented India at various youth levels and have now progressed to the senior national team setup. How would you describe the differences in expectations, intensity, and professionalism between youth international football and the senior game?
Even at the international level, youth football is more focused on development. You’re competing within a small age range, so the player pool is naturally smaller. At the senior level, there is a massive shift because suddenly you’re competing in an open category against players of all ages and experience levels, including players competing at some of the best clubs in the world. The intensity, competition, and expectations are much higher.
3. You made the transition from Indian football to the United States at a relatively young age. How did that opportunity come about, and what factors influenced your decision to move? How did you manage academics and sports together during your time at university? How challenging was it to adapt to the style, pace, and physical demands of football in the United States compared to what you were used to in India?
When I was around 15 and playing for the youth national team, I knew I wanted my next step in football to be abroad. For some reason, I was always very clear that I wanted to play Division 1 college soccer in the United States. Managing academics and football wasn’t too difficult because I always took both seriously. Adapting to the football was definitely challenging—the pace, athleticism, and physicality were all at a different level. But when you’re in a competitive environment every day, you naturally adapt and improve over time.
4. Having played in different footballing environments, including India, the United States, Spain, and Denmark, what are the differences you have noticed in coaching methods, player development, and football culture? Are there any lessons from these countries that you believe Indian football should adopt?
In Spain there is a strong focus on technical quality and tactical intelligence from a young age. In the United States, the environment is very professional, with excellent facilities, sports science support and an emphasis on athletic development. Denmark stands out for its structured approach to player development and strong team culture, where players are encouraged to take responsibility both on and off the pitch. Experiencing these different environments has helped me become a more complete player and given me a broader understanding of the game.
5. The Indian Women’s League has been around since 2017, and while there has undoubtedly been progress, the competition is still evolving, with formats and structures changing quite frequently. Nearly a decade on, do you feel the league has developed at the pace you expected? What are some of the key changes you would like to see in the IWL, whether in terms of league structure, professionalism, player welfare, club development, or opportunities for young Indian players?
I haven’t played in the IWL myself, so I don’t think I’m the best person to comment on its development or structure. I’d rather leave that question to players who have experienced the league firsthand
6. What has been the most memorable moment of your football career so far, whether at club level or while representing India? What made that particular moment so special for you?
Signing for my first European club, Næstved HG in Denmark, was a very memorable moment for me at club level. For India, winning the SAFF Championship recently after seven years was incredibly special, especially because I was able to contribute as one of the tournament’s top scorers.
7. Professional football often demands sacrifices that fans do not always see. Over the years, what lifestyle changes have you had to make to perform at the highest level? Whether it is diet, fitness, recovery, social life, or time with family and friends, what have been some of the biggest sacrifices you have made in pursuit of your football career?
Recovery, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle all become extremely important. There are a lot of distractions these days, whether it’s social media or other aspects of life, so you have to make choices that support your football career. Living away from family has also been a sacrifice, but it’s part of pursuing your goals at the highest level.
8. As one of the Indian players who has successfully pursued opportunities abroad, what advice would you give to young girls in India who dream of playing football professionally? What steps should they take, both on and off the pitch, to maximize their chances of success?
I would say keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep working hard. There are more pathways and opportunities being created now than ever before, both in India and abroad. Focus on improving every day, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone if it helps you grow. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and trust the process, because success rarely happens overnight.
9. Looking ahead, what are your personal goals for the next few years, both in football and beyond the game? Is there anything in particular that you still hope to achieve with the Indian national team or at the club level?
My biggest goal is to help India qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. At club level, I want to keep challenging myself at the highest possible level and play for some of the best clubs in the world. Ultimately, I just want to see how far I can push myself and become the best player I can be.
