From slum to Spain: 2 football prodigies from Odisha selected to play in Spain 

For Suelkha Kanhar, a 16-year-old girl from Salia Sahi in Bhubaneswar and Srijal Kisku, a 12-year-old boy from a village in tribal-dominated Sundargarh district, it is like a dream come true as they have been selected by coaches of Spain to play football there. Soon they would embark on a journey to Spain to hone their football skill there. 

According to their coach Jayadev Mahapatra, this is the first time that Spain coaches have selected players from Odisha. “It is a proud moment for Odisha and India as Spain coaches have for the first time selected players from Odisha. Two UEFA pro license coaches had visited Odisha to search for football talents. They told us not to get disappointed if they wouldn’t select anyone as they have certain parameters.”

“A three-day camp was organised at ODM Global School where over 180 children from various parts of the state participated. And from them, Sulekha and Srijal of our Ardor Football Academy were selected. I am confident that they would deliver their best. I wish they should pass the trials and play in Spain,” said Mahapatra. 

“I have been playing football for two years now. I am honing my skill under the watchful eyes of JD Sir. Sheila Football Club has selected Shreejal and me. We will have to give trials there. My hope is to get selected and play European League,” said a visibly elated Sulekha Kanhar. 

Exuding confidence, Shrijal said, “I started playing football when I was six years old. Now I am 12 years old. My aim is to play national.”