I am Riddhi Ramesh, 26 years of age from Bangalore. Sport, especially football has always been my passion since a very young age and I’ve always wanted a career close to my interest. I currently own a football turf in Kamanhalli called Turf’s Up and we look at providing a facility for people to practice sport, provide training for kids in that area and form a community around the sport.

From what age are you playing Football?

I have been playing football since I was 13 years old.

What made you choose Football?

I was always a tomboy in my younger days where I used to play all the sports that all my guy friends played and that’s how I got introduced to football. Football was never popular among the girls, it was only throwball,  basketball or athletics. Although I took part and competed in these various sports, football however took a special place and I would look at every opportunity to get on the field.

What is your biggest personal achievement so far?

I think for me is the fact I never gave up on the sport even after I faced a severe injury while representing the state team. I had broken my femur bone into two in a game in Delhi and took me about 1.5 years to recover. That was the most difficult time for me. But I’m lucky to have the most supportive parents that helped me get back and I went on to represent the state again and still continue to play. For me, the fact that I never gave up I think is my biggest personal achievement.

What is it like for a girl to play football in India?

Looking back 10years ago it was difficult for a girl to play a sport that is only popular among guys. In Indian society it was always looked down upon. However today it’s a completely different story. We have more leagues for girls being organised at school, college and state level and tons of girls taking up football as their sport of interest. Earlier we had to force girls to come play so we had enough numbers to form a team. So all that is slowly but gradually changing.

Do you feel any kind of gender disparity in the game?

Looking back 10years ago it was difficult for a girl to play a sport that is only popular among guys. In Indian society it was always looked down upon. However today it’s a completely different story. We have more leagues for girls being organised at school, college and state level and tons of girls taking up football as their sport of interest. Earlier we had to force girls to come play so we had enough numbers to form a team. So all that is slowly but gradually changing.

What are some of the difficulties you’ve faced in your journey in terms of unavailability of gear etc.

I have always struggled to find football studs, like always! Either it’s too big, too broad or I have to end up buying from the kids' section which does not give me enough choice or technicality.

What would you like to tell other girls to encourage them to play the sport?

I think you just need to start somewhere to fall in love with the sport and trust me when you get the ball at the back of the nets that feeling of satisfaction is one that will keep you coming back for more. So go out there and kick some balls. (Hahaha!)

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