Beef Vindaloo

India’s Mahindra United have become pioneers in the football world. Their latest player has become an international celebrity and the club have set several firsts at the same time. Lakshmi Jha is not only the first female club footballer anywhere in the world, she is also the only woman to play in a male team and she is also the only footballer to be signed by a leading national club having zero football experience. In addition, she is also the first female goalkeeper in a men’s club team, a role the administration feels she is absolutely fit for given her experience of being a village mid-wife for the last 15 years.

“I agree it sounds something out of a movie but the decision is not as ridiculous as you would imagine,” said coach Derek Pereira, “Lakshmi has been a mid-wife in the villages around Ranchi and that exercise is closer to playing a goalie than it is to being a doctor.” The state of Jharkhand contributes nearly 15% of the national population, coming a third after Bihar and UP. The birth rate in the state is almost three babies per minute. “With most of the births coming from the villages and the complete lack of medical facilities available, its all then a matter of perspective on the role of the midwife.”

Lakshmi claims to have delivered as many as 29 babies in one day in closely to 25 houses. She claims that there were more than three sets of twins that she delivered in different houses across the area. Travelling only by foot and using nothing but her wit, cunning and a sure set of hands, Lakshmi says that each and every one of those babies are happy and healthy. So what does she think of her new assignment? “It is something very new for me and I am very excited,” she says, “I have seen the village boys play football when I am walking to a house call and now I can call and tell them that I am playing football too.”

The National Football League surprisingly are very encouraging of Mahindra United’s move. There may be over a 100 rules in their guidebook but the basic rule that specifies the gender of the players is missing and therefore there is nothing illegal in the club’s move. But just how far the club are able to take their fortunes after this move remains to be seen.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share This