‘Malayan tigresses’ break records and stereotypes – FMT

Sisters Asheesh and Kanchenjeet shatter stereotypes in Malaysia’s women’s football, inspiring other young girls to chase their dreams, reports FMT

0
2663
Asheesh (left) and Kanchen with their younger sister and parents at the airport before leaving for Mongolia for the EUFA Invite U-17 women friendly

By Naveen Prabu | FMT | Malaysia |

PETALING JAYA: In the realm of football, Asheesh Kaur Nanua and Kanchenjeet Kaur Nanua, two teenage sisters from Malaysia, have left an indelible mark on the pitch with their prowess.

In 2016, they joined an international football trial organised by Astro, competing to train with Spanish giants FC Barcelona. Asheesh secured her spot among the chosen few.

Asheesh, 18, and her sister Kanchenjeet, 17, now stand as proud members of the senior national team, despite being among the team’s youngest players – an achievement signifying an incredible journey fuelled by a deep passion for the sport.

However, their path to success came with challenges big and small in their early years, as they faced scepticism and mockery particularly from the parents and supporters of opposing boys’ teams.

Kanchenjeet said that they also encountered the usual stereotypes, one being that female footballers ought to conform to a more “masculine” image.

Their refusal to conform was rewarded this year at the SEA Games, when Kanchenjeet became one of the youngest players to represent the national team, known as the Malayan Tigress.

Read the full story here.

One wefie for the flight: Asheesh (left) and Kanchen en-route to Mongolia for an EUFA Invite

RELATED STORY:

Footballing sisters break new ground (Asia Samachar, 21 May 2022)

ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here

NO COMMENTS