Gokulam Women Get Kerala Its First National Football League Title

In a first for its state, Gokulam Kerala women's team has won the national football league title. Even no men's team in the state has won the national league title yet. The ​Kozhikode-based side Gokulam Kerala beat KRYPHSA 3-2 in the thrilling final of the Indian Women's League (IWL) in Bengaluru. This is the first time a Kerala team won a national league title.

The team will be felicitated during the I-League match against Punjab FC at EMS Corporation Stadium on February 29.  ​"It has yet to sink in that we have done something that has never been done before by a team in Kerala," said an emotional Priya PV, head coach of Gokulam Kerala women's team, TOI reported.

Key Takeaways:

• Gokulam Kerala FC will honour and felicitate its women's team, which has won the Indian Women's League 2019-20.
• Gokulam Kerala defeated KRYPHSA, 3-2, in the IWL final held in Bengaluru on February 14. This is the first time a Kerala team won a national league title.
• "This victory is a result of the teamwork. Last year we got out in the semifinal. This time we were determined to win the championship," said Priya PV.

Priya, who hails from Kannur is one of the acclaimed coaches in the country. She has bagged two AFC gold medals as head coach of the India U14 girls team during her time with the national team.

"Women footballers in our state are working hard, yet how many know there are players here that like to be professional someday, or that there are coaches who perform at the national level. Maybe this achievement Gokulam Kerala women's side will help women's football get more attention in Kerala," said Priya.

Talking about teamwork and how brilliant it was to see some great performance from ​Prameshwori Devi and Kamala Devi, who had put Gokulam ahead, Priya explained, "This victory is a result of the teamwork. Last year we got out in the semifinal. This time we were determined to win the championship."

Priya is also the AFC A- license holder, the first from Kerala with the badge. She further said, "We signed some good foreign players such as Sabitra and Agbo. But the important thing is that only Aditi Chauhan plays in the first XI of the Indian team while if you look at our opponents in the final there were eight national team first XI players. That shows how determined we were."

READ: Women Footballers Don’t Have A Long History In India: Aditi Chauhan

​"All the players were great today. The experience of players such as Kamala Devi, Prameshwori Devi and Umapati proved vital if you ask me," said ​Captain Michel Castanha.

"Captain's armband was a huge responsibility for me and I am now proud to bring this historic trophy to Kerala."

​After winning the top scorer award, Gokulam's spearhead Sabitra said, "We were determined to not allow any goals but we conceded two. But we held on the pressure and played beautifully to win the title. This title is special for me because I have won the top scorer award also. I wish my success will help more girls to take up the sport in my country."

Feature Image Credit: Sportstar

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