Previously, we had seen women reach great heights in tech and take on leadership roles but now we also see them tapping into the sports arena & achieving milestones on global platforms. Maria khan is one such shining star that we have the pleasure to highlight in this week’s FUCHSIA’s Spotlight.
Despite having legendary squash players Hashim Khan as a grandfather and Jahangir Khan as an uncle, Maria found her calling in football. Maria Khan is the new captain of Pakistan’s women’s football team, replacing Hajra Khan. She is all set to lead Pakistan in the SAFF Championship kicking off today with an India vs Pakistan game.
Scroll down to know more about her and how her football journey brought her from the UAE to Pakistan.
31-year-old Maria grew up in the states, which meant her surrounding was well-equipped to nourish her talent and love for football. Before playing ‘NCC division 1 soccer’ for the University of Denver, she would play in teams in Colorado.
Her passion for football took precedence over her family’s iconic legacy however, she revealed to Football Pakistan that her siblings have also been involved in different sports since their childhood.
“We all knew growing up what Grandpa and the wider family achieved in squash. But all of us siblings have been very active in sports from a young age. My brother played basketball and [American] football growing up, my sister is an accomplished volleyball player, and I also took up football aged six and played basketball at school level.”
Maria Khan told Football Pakistan
From USA To UAE
After playing football in her early years and then for the University of Denver in the US, Maria went off to the UAE to pursue higher studies in 2013.
To no surprise, Maria continued on with football in the UAE but made a switch from a goalkeeper in the US to an outfield player in the Gulf country.
“My switch from being a goalkeeper into an outfield player was not that challenging. At Denver, all the goalkeepers would take part in similar technical drills with the outfield squad in training, so we were always comfortable with the ball at our feet. Goalkeepers have the entire action taking place right in front of them in every game, so I always paid close attention to how the outfield players worked tactically and technically.”
Maria Khan told Football Pakistan
Leading Pakistan’s Women’s Football Team
The football scene in Pakistan caught Maria’s attention when Pakistan hosted the SAFF in 2014 for the last time for the next 8 years. She started inquiring about it and thought it would be a dream come true to be representing Pakistan as a footballer.
Maria was named the new captain of Pakistan’s women’s football team by The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). She is all set to represent the country at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship on 7th September, happening in Nepal.
“We’re hungry, we’re looking to come in and compete, we’re not here to just show up. The girls are really excited. Really excited for the opportunity to finally get back on the international stage after eight years. There’s good energy throughout the camp,”
Maria Khan told Geo.
There will be a 23-member squad from Pakistan marking their attendance in the SAFF Championship, including former team captain Hajra Khan.
Football Star With A Gush-Worthy Instagram Feed!
Apart from being a star on the field, her Instagram posts score high on the aesthetic boards as well. Here are 5 of our favourite posts from her account:
Girl Power!
Proud Wife Check
10/10 For The Background
Bucket List Material!
Couple Goals Alert
We wish our women’s football team all the best for the tournament. It is under the supervision of the supremely talented Maria Khan so our hopes are high already!
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Sources used in this article include Football Pakistan, Daily Times, & Geo Tv.
