Manisha Kalyan Makes History with Alianza Lima, Scoring for a South American Club
India has always been a nation passionate about football. From the streets of Kolkata to the stadiums of Mumbai, the love for this beautiful game runs deep in the veins of every Indian. However, when it comes to women’s football, the country has a long way to go in terms of recognition and support. But that doesn’t deter the determined and talented women who strive to make their mark in the sport. One such woman is Manisha Kalyan, who recently created history by becoming the first Indian woman to score for a South American club.
Manisha’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in a small town in Haryana, Manisha was introduced to football at the young age of 10. Despite facing discouragement from her family and society for playing a sport considered ‘unladylike’, she persisted and honed her skills.
In 2016, Manisha was selected to represent India at the U-17 Women’s Football Championship in Jordan. Her impressive performance caught the attention of scouts and she was signed by the Indian Women’s League (IWL) team, Sethu FC. Under the guidance of her coach, Manisha continued to improve and was soon called up to the senior national team.
But Manisha’s big breakthrough came when she was offered a contract with Peruvian club, Alianza Lima, making her the first Indian woman to play for a South American club. This was a historic moment not just for Manisha but for Indian women’s football as a whole.
Despite facing language barriers and cultural differences, Manisha was determined to make the most of this opportunity. She trained hard and adapted quickly to the new style of play. And it didn’t take long for her hard work to pay off.
On 7th March 2021, Manisha created history by scoring her first goal for Alianza Lima in a match against Sport Girls. The entire nation erupted in joy and pride as the news of her achievement spread. Manisha’s goal not only helped her team secure a win but also proved that Indian women are capable of excelling on the international stage.
Manisha’s success is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the fact that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Her achievement has opened doors for more Indian women to play for international clubs and has given a new hope to the future generation of women footballers in India.
As we celebrate Manisha’s historic goal, it’s also important to look towards the future of Indian women’s football. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recently announced that India will be hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026. This is a significant step towards promoting and developing women’s football in the country.
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the most prestigious tournament for women’s football in Asia, and India has never hosted it before. This presents an incredible opportunity for the Indian team to showcase their talent and compete against the best teams in the continent. It also has the potential to create a buzz and generate interest in women’s football among the general public.
The AIFF has already taken steps to prepare for the big event by introducing grassroots programs, setting up competitive leagues, and organizing international friendlies for the Indian women’s team. With the support and encouragement of the government, sponsors, and fans, the team has the potential to make a mark in the tournament and bring glory to the nation.
The journey of Manisha Kalyan from a small town in Haryana to scoring for a South American club is a true inspiration for young girls who aspire to play football. Her dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport have shown that nothing can stop a woman from achieving her dreams. As we look forward to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, let us continue to support and encourage our women’s football team and hope for more historic moments to come. The future of Indian women’s football looks bright, and Manisha Kalyan is leading the way for a brighter tomorrow.
