Joya's Journey: From Khelo India to India U17 Hero with Decisive Goal

• 14-year-old Joya scored the winning goal for India U17 against Myanmar in her second international appearance.
• Her journey began in Phagwara, Punjab, where she started playing football after watching boys in her village.
• Joya's mother initially worried but later became very supportive of her passion for the game.
• She credits coaches Hardeep Singh and Sandeep Singh for her early guidance and development.
• Joya gained her first competitive experience at the U15 Khelo India Women’s Football League in 2024, leading to a national camp call-up.