Panaji: Every player wants to be on the field, so the view from the bench – however good it may be – is frowned upon. Malavika did not enjoy what she was seeing as India took on defending champions Bangladesh in the group-stage clash of the SAFF Women's Championship, but as her number went up for substitution in the second session, she knew what to do.
"I was waiting for the chance to go inside and play," Malavika told TOI during the Indian team's training session at Don Bosco ground, Fatorda, on Tuesday. "In the first half, from where I was seated on the bench, I could see what Bangladesh are doing. I knew what I can do, and I knew I can spark a change."
She did. A 66th-minute substitute for Pyari Xaxa, whose first-half opener was the difference till then between the two fierce South Asian rivals, Malavika's arrival changed the complexion of the game. The Kerala-born striker first won a penalty which Lyndo Kom Serto converted, and then struck a goal of her own in the first minute of added-on time for a comfortable 3-0 win.
It was a remarkable performance from Malavika, but given the wealth of experienced options available to coach Crispin Chettri on the wings, the 22-year-old cannot afford to take anything for granted.
"Malavika has been doing really well and improving with every match she's given a chance," said Crispin. "She deserves a chance in the starting 11 but she has to keep fighting. We have Soumya Guguloth and Manisha Kalyan in that position. I think Soumya and Manisha are performing well because of Malavika."
Hailing from Kasargod in Kerala, Malavika, 22, has caught everyone's attention with her pace and creativity on the wing since her India debut last year against Uzbekistan. Her journey has been one of steady rise. Starting from sub-junior levels, she worked her way up in women's football and was adjudged the Best Female Player in 2024 by the Kerala Football Association.
Malavika grew up surrounded by Kerala's vibrant football culture. Her family's shared passion for the sport sparked her interest, and there was no looking back after she was inspired watching FIFA World Cup action on television.
"My dream is to play at the World Cup," said Malavika. That is actually every footballer's dream but not everyone makes it to the top. This one, according to the footballer, is a realistic one, not hyperbole. "After many years (22 years to be precise), we qualified for the AFC Asian Cup, and if we can make it among the top 12 teams in Asia, we can qualify for the World Cup in the next five to ten years. We are doing better than the men's team. I think we can make it to the World Cup before the men's football team."
