Indian national goalkeeper and youth icon, Aditi Chauhan is also the face of Rexona’s ‘Breaking Limits: Girls Can’ series, launched together with FIFA, which aims to champion women’s football in the country. The campaign video shot in Calcutta features Aditi encouraging a bunch of girls with football dreams in their eyes, to chase them. She spoke to t2 about what the initiative means to her and what needs to be done to produce more icons.
How do you feel being a part of Rexona’s Breaking Limits initiative?
I am glad that Rexona’s initiative is bringing awareness to the startling fact that less than one per cent of girls in India play football. The Breaking Limits Programme will encourage more young girls to break societal barriers and participate in the sport.
What would be your mantra to spread the message?
Girls and women have equal rights to play and engaging them in sports will not only empower them for life but also contribute to the development of society.
Let’s rewind a bit and look back at how it began for you...
I was a sports enthusiast growing up and played multiple sports but football is where I found my love and passion. It’s helped me learn about life and gave me the courage to pursue my dreams and helped me get to where I am today.
What did you enjoy most about the sport?
Football for me was freedom, freedom to be who I am, to express myself freely. It developed and shaped my personality.
When did you decide that you would take it up professionally?
There was never a point when I consciously decided to be a pro footballer. I only pursued my love and passion for the game. Every step was just me trying to figure out how can I continue playing competitively and that’s what led me to play for India, West Ham FC in England and in the IWL (Indian Women’s League).
Who are your favourite goalkeepers?
Manuel Neuer, Hope Solo and now Mary Earps.
What can be done to produce more champions like you? Unless you have icons, a sport will never have a following...
A sincere effort from all stakeholders to invest in women’s football, developing the IWL structure and player development pathway and making women’s football accessible by showing the sport on TV.
Complete the sentence…
Football = Freedom.