Sports

So how many of you watched the Soccer World Cup? Feet working magic on the grass, the ball sailing across the field, evoking roars from the stands, the hush after the missed penalties and the explosion of joy after the Japan nailed it?

We know David Beckham, we know Baichung Bhutia, do we know who their equivalent is in Indian women's football? Even as the whole country seems to be wondering whether the Indian football team will ever play the world cup, the women's team has been quietly going places. From under-13 to national levels, there is talent waiting in the offing. But they are waiting for much more than recognition -- facilities, sponsors, training. Payal Dhar finds out more.