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“We were on a mission and we achieved it,” Sasmita Malik, the penalty scorer for India in the SAFF Women’s Championship was still panting. The girls in the background were breaking all decibel levels and it was quite hard to hear her speak.
“We have won the Championship every time we have competed – four times out of four. But what people forget is that India are unbeaten in all the 19 matches which we have played in the Championship in all the four editions so far. We want to continue the trend,” she too was now almost shouting at the top of her voice to make her audible moments after India beat Bangladesh 3-1 in the final in Siliguri.
Sasmita, the 2016 AIFF Player of the Year, admitted she felt the “pressure” when she stepped up to take the penalty in the 60th minute.
“Yeah, there was pressure,” she recollected. “I knew that one shot could make all the difference for my Country. Kamala said to me Didi aap mariye (You take it),” she stated.
“When I had put the ball on the spot I had made up my mind to place it to the right of their Goalkeeper. We saw each other in the eye and my sixth sense told me that she may dive to her right,” Sasmita narrated.
“I took a bit of time, concentrated and changed my mind. I felt I needed to go to the left of the Goalkeeper and saw the ball entering the net. That was so much of a relief,” she smiled.
‘How many times have you watched ‘Chak de India,’ someone quipped.
“Four times maybe,” Sasmita smiled. “We were desperate for the victory in the final. Karenge ya marange,” stayed our motto,” she took a heavy breath. “I dedicate this victory to the entire Country and AIFF for their support all throughout.”
Head Coach Sajid Dar thanked National Coach Stephen Constantine and his support staff – Danny Deigan and Rogerio Ramos for coming over to the preparatory Camp and work with the girls. That was of a huge help,” he maintained. “I also need to thank Scott O’Donell for all his support all throughout.”
“The victory makes us confident as we head into the Asian Cup Qualifiers in April. We look forward to put up a good show,” he stated.
by AIFF Media
