Why football is the most popular sport in the world? The reasons are many, but we would like to believe that, it is because of its ability to provide a level playing field for all. Irrespective of the financial or racial strata, the game’s only true currencies are talent and hard work. A spirited youngster from the slums of Rio de Janeiro or Naples and a boy from an affluent family in London are equal in football. Daily, we hear inspiring stories connected with this beautiful game. Ruchi, an eighteen-year-old from Sangam Vihar, Delhi is also scripting such a wonderful story.
The teenager recently signed for Sethu FC for the upcoming Indian Women’s League and her journey so far has been nothing short of brilliant. Growing up in an area with scarce opportunities, this midfielder rose through the ranks to play in the top division of women’s football in India. Ruchi is the fourth born of the Vijender and Kushma couple. Vijender, who is an auto-rickshaw driver by occupation, and Kushma have always supported the passion of their daughter wholeheartedly. She has already represented all the age group teams in the national championships and had even won the MVP award in the Delhi Women’s Championship MVP at the age of just 15.
Hailing from Sangam Vihar, Ruchi got her first exposure to football through the Khel Khel Mein Foundation. The talented midfielder, who was seven then, religiously followed the training sessions and went on to represent various clubs in the Delhi League. She donned the Ahbab FC jersey for the Delhi Senior Women’s League in the 2019-20 season followed by two seasons with Rangers SC. Then she switched her allegiance to Delhi FC in the 2022-23 season where he represented the club in Delhi Women’s Championship and Delhi Futsal Championship. In the previous season, she represented Jaguar FC in the Delhi Futsal Championship. She has been representing Delhi since the year 2019 and is a part of the current Delhi team for the National Championship.
“She’s a smart player, one that is a rare find. I feel like she’s just scratched the tip of her potential. A long way to go, I’d say. In terms of her game, she has the tools to be a complete midfielder. Her anticipation, interception, and vision are her key weapons. She’s versatile and has often played multiple roles for the numerous teams she’s been in. All I can say is that Sethu has a rough diamond in their hands“, said Arka Bhattacharya, one of her mentors at SVFC.
KKM Sangam Vihar FC played a crucial role in her growth as a player. Even though the setup runs on a shoestring budget, the mentors at the club impart the right kind of education to their players. The graduates of the SVFC do have the aim of playing an attractive brand of football rather than kicking the ball and running behind that like headless chickens. They lack a proper training ground, however, they train regularly at the available facilities and made it a habit to play all the available tournaments to improve the game time.
According to Anirban Ghosh, who mentored her at Sangam Vihar FC, her strengths include an excellent ability to read the game and the anticipation of opponents’ passes to intercept. Unlike the kick-and-run game which is commonly seen in the IWL, she can carry the ball and can hold the ball under pressure. Not to forget, she is good at defensive tackles and 1v1 situations.
“Ruchi is a player who has good ball-holding capabilities, progressing attack through dribbles, and playing the line-breaking penetrative passes. Her sense of time and space in terms of defending is a strength”, said Anirban, her coach at SVFC.
Last season, she played for Garhwal FC in the IWL 2, and then came the call from Sethu FC.
“I will work hard and earn more game time at Sethu FC. That’s my aim for the first season. In the future, I would like to play for a foreign club and the national team”, said the youngster who idolizes Xavi.
Sethu FC, one of the champion teams in the Indian Women’s League and known for its commitment to youth development, is an ideal place for Ruchi to hone her skills. Under the tutelage of experienced coach Shareef Khan, she can improve herself and be a regular in the starting XI. Football continues to break down barriers and provide opportunities for all, inspiring countless dreams.
