Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

When the whole of India is buzzing with Sunil Chhetri's final international match in Kolkata against Kuwait on June 6, another Indian National football team has flown to Uzbekistan for two international friendlies. Before their first match at the Bunyodkor Stadium, Sportz Ponint was lucky enough to get hold of the Indian women's Football team goalkeeper Shreya Hooda.

Shreya, who recently celebrated her 25th birthday, did not start as a goalie. As an 11-year-old kid, when she joined the football camp, she was told to be a goalkeeper only because of her height. And, as they say, the rest is history.

Hooda had a stellar season with Odisha FC In IWL and Haryana in the National Football Championships. She first helped Odisha FC win their first-ever Indian Women's League title and led Haryana to become runners-up in the Senior Women's National Football Championship.

In both the tournaments, Shreya was adjudged as the "Best Goalkeeper of the tournament" for her outstanding glovework.

"I am very happy to get the best goalkeeper award in the National Championship and IWL as well. Very grateful as I got this for the first time. I want to thank my teammates and coaches and the staff of Odisha FC and Haryana team," Shreya told Sportz Point on getting those two awards.

For both Haryana and Odisha, Shreya not only helped her teams with great saves, she looked like a leader at the back. Whether making the crucial calls for her defenders or going for the brave clearances during set pieces, Shreya was a rock at the back. Talking about holding her nerves during those crunch moments, Hooda said, "It is all about training and experience. In IWL, we are training for four to five months. We played regular matches. So, it comes naturally."

"Training plays a very important role in all those situations. What you do in the training, comes up in the match. I was happy to be the captain of Haryana and lead the team to second place at the National Championship," she added.

After a great season with the glove for her club and state, Shreya will now look to continue her form for the Blue Tigresses. "I want to continue this form and maybe do better than this for the India team," Hooda expressed.

"I will try to give my 100% in the upcoming matches against Uzbekistan and help my team as I did for Odisha and Haryana."

In an exclusive interview with Sportz Point in 2023, former Indian national team captain Bhaiching Bhutia said that the Indian Women's team, which ranks higher (66) in FIFA rankings than the men's (121), will play in the FIFA World Cup earlier than the men's. 

Statements like this from stalwarts like Bhaichung Bhutia help young player Shreya to stay motivated and keep dreaming. "Everyone wants to play for their country in the World Cup. It is like a dream come true."

"Each and every player is working very hard as a team. Now, we are getting exposure, which helps us build a good team. Everyone is working hard, and we are getting everything. I hope that we qualify for the World Cup soon," Hooda stated.

India vs Uzbekistan: Women's football match schedule and streaming details 

The international friendlies between India and Uzbekistan in Tashkent will be streamed LIVE on the Uzbekistan FA YouTube channel.