AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022: Australian footballer Sam Kerr and her Bengal connection

Australian and Chelsea star Sam Kerr is undoubtedly the most eminent footballer participating in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 in progress. Kerr was ranked stood second in the FIFA's The Best Women's Award alongside winner Alexia Putellas and the third-ranked Jennifer Hermoso. 

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Are you aware of the fact that Sam is back in the nation where her father and paternal grandparents were born? Well, Kerr is competing in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 as mentioned earlier. India is hosting the marquee tournament. It might seem shocking, but the Australian player happens to have a connection with India.

Kerr's connection with India

Her grandparents Denzil Mowbray Kerr and Coral Beryl Kerr were born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. Denzil was an Englishman and Coral was from the Anglo-Indian community. Denzil was a metallurgist and also represented Bengal in featherweight boxing. On the other hand, Kerr's grandmother Coral played basketball during her time.

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Sam's father Roger Kerr was also born in the 'City of Joy' in 1960. Later in 1969, he along with his family migrated to Australia during the mass exodus of the Anglo-Indian community. They migrated from India after independence and then the family of three settled in Fremantle, a suburb of Perth.

In a video shared by the Westfield Matildas, Coral said, "I think that we made a fantastic choice in coming to Australia because we were originally booked to go to England. But, the doctor said my husband wouldn't make it because of the weather; it's too cold. So, then we applied to come here. It's just great. My husband just loved it, he thought it was absolutely marvelous. At that time, all the Anglo-Indians were leaving: some to Canada, some to England. We sent my younger sister to England and we were going to follow, but we never followed. So, she stayed over there – she's been there for sixty years – and we've been here just over fifty."

The Chelsea forward mentioned quite a few times that she is very proud of her roots. Also, she admires being a role model for the Indian girls who follow her on various social media platforms.

Kerr said in an interview with Forbes, "My Indian heritage is something I'm really proud of and I know my nanna's (Coral Kerr) really proud that I'm representing young Indian girls whenever I go out there and play. I think (reaching the UCL final) was a really cool moment for my nan, and my family over here that is English, they're really proud of me too. I hope it inspires young girls."