Best female player

For Manisha Naik: As the Blue Tigresses faced Uzbekistan in the first of two FIFA Women’s International Friendlies, three youngsters got a taste of what international football at the highest level was actually about – Manisha Naik, Malavika P, and Priyadharshini Selladurai.

While Manisha and Malavika made their India debuts as part of the starting XI, Priyadharshini got her first cap when she replaced Dangmei Grace in the 74th minute.

For Manisha Naik, May 30, will forever be etched in memory. “I was really happy and proud when I got the call-up. It felt surreal. But I was also nervous, wondering how I would perform in my first match. Thankfully, the seniors supported me and helped me settle in,” she said.