From Garhwal United to India U-20 (National) : The successful Journey of Five Exceptional Young Players
In a historic moment for Indian football, five talented young girls from Garhwal United Football Club (GUFC) made it to the India U-20 Women’s National Team, showcasing the incredible growth and potential of the club. Four players – Lhindeikim (16 YO), Ribansi Jamu(16 YO), Monisha Singha (17 YO), and Sanjita (18 YO)—earned a place in the starting lineup FOR THE SENIOR TEAM for a friendly match against the Maldives, marking a significant milestone in Indian football. This moment was a personal achievement for these players and a testament to the vision and scouting prowess of Garhwal United’s head coach, Akshay Unni, whose belief in these players helped them rise to national prominence. Here’s their story, full of determination, growth, and grit.
The Five Stars from Garhwal United FC
The five players who earned a spot in the India U-20 squad from Garhwal United FC were:
- Kim Kipgen
- Ribansi Jamu
- Monisha Singha
- Sanjita
- Deepika Pal
While Kim, Ribansi, Monisha, and Sanjita made their debut in the friendly match against the Maldives, each of them has their unique story of how they came to be part of Garhwal United and how their talent was nurtured to reach this level.
Kim Kipgen: The Underdog Who Became a Star
Kim Kipgen’s journey is one of resilience and hard work. Akshay Unni first heard about her through his friend Samuel, his friend in Manipur, who recommended her as a promising player. Akshay followed her performances with ESU and immediately recognised her potential to fit into the Garhwal United system. Though Kim began her journey at Garhwal United as a reserve player, Akshay’s sharp eye for talent and his guidance helped her develop into a key player for the club.
Kim’s rise to the India U-20 team was nothing short of historic. In her debut match for India, she made an unforgettable impact by scoring four goals and assisting 3 in a stunning display of football. Her incredible improvement, driven by her dedication and willingness to learn, made her one of the standout players not only at Garhwal United but also at the national level.
Monisha Singha: The Quiet Force from Madhya Pradesh
Monisha Singha, a very talented player from Madhya Pradesh, came into Garhwal United’s fold in 2022, after participating in the KV Nationals held in Dehradun. It was there that Garhwal United’s coach, Rahul Negi, spotted her potential and immediately brought her to Akshay Unni’s attention. Monisha quickly understood the club’s values and culture, and over time, became one of the key players in the squad.
Monisha’s standout moment came when she scored the crucial goal that helped Garhwal United qualify for the IWL 2. This goal was a testament to her skill and composure in pressure situations, and it cemented her place as a core member of the team. Her journey from a young player with potential to a national team debutant is a testament to her growth and dedication.
Sanjita: The Van Dijk of Garhwal United
Sanjita, often compared to the legendary Virgil Van Dijk for her defensive prowess, has been a key pillar of Garhwal United’s defence. Akshay Unni discovered her through his friend Rabisankar (who has a great eye for talent and is one of the best scouts in manipur) and immediately recognised her potential. Despite the conflict and challenges in her home state of Manipur, Akshay made a personal trip to visit Sanjita and watch her play, which solidified his belief in her ability.
Known for her calm demeanour and strategic defensive skills, Sanjita’s hard work paid off when she made it to the India U-20 squad. Though she started the Maldives match from the bench, her role in Garhwal United’s success cannot be overstated. Sanjita has been a crucial figure in Garhwal United’s rise, and her journey reflects the power of perseverance and belief in one’s abilities.
Ribansi Jamu: From Doubts to Triumph
Ribansi Jamu’s story is one of transformation and trust. Hailing from Meghalaya, a region known for producing talented footballers, Ribansi stood out due to her unique approach to the game and her mindset. Initially, she was considered the second-choice goalkeeper in her local team due to her unconventional attitude, which some found difficult to understand. However, Akshay Unni saw something special in her—a strong mentality and a hunger to prove herself.
Despite warnings from others about her attitude, Akshay trusted Ribansi and brought her to Garhwal United. That trust paid off as Ribansi emerged as a standout goalkeeper, conceding just 3 goals in the entire DPL season. Her consistent performances led to her inclusion in the India U-20 squad, where she began the Maldives match from the bench. Ribansi’s journey from being doubted by many to becoming a national team player proves that with the right guidance and trust, anyone can rise above challenges.
Deepika Pal: The Long-Term Commitment and Leadership
Deepika Pal’s journey with Garhwal United began at the tender age of 13, and over the years, she has evolved into a seasoned player and one of the most valuable assets for the club. Throughout her journey, Deepika has not only improved as a player but also as a person. Her long-standing commitment to Garhwal United is a testament to her loyalty, passion, and hard work.
Deepika has seen the ups and downs of the club, and her resilience has played a major role in Garhwal United’s growth. From early struggles to becoming a leader on the pitch, Deepika’s story is one of perseverance and continuous improvement. Her experience and consistency made her a crucial part of Garhwal United’s success, and her inclusion in the India U-20 squad is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and leadership.
A Historic Moment for Garhwal United
When Kim Kipgen, Ribansi Jamu, Monisha Singha, Sanjita, and Deepika Pal took the field together for India U-20, it marked a historic achievement: the first time in Indian football history that five players from the same club, Garhwal United, debuted for the national team. This moment is not just a victory for the players but also for Akshay Unni, who has played a pivotal role in scouting, nurturing, and mentoring these exceptional young talents.
The success of these players is a reflection of the solid foundation laid by Garhwal United Football Club. The club’s commitment to developing young talent and creating a supportive environment has turned these players into some of the most promising footballers in the country.
Conclusion: The Future of Indian Women’s Football
The journey of Kim Kipgen, Ribansi Jamu, Monisha Singha, Sanjita, and Deepika Pal from Garhwal United FC to the India U-20 squad is a story of talent, perseverance, and hard work. These players have not only made history but have also shown the world the power of grassroots development in Indian football.
With such a bright future ahead of them, the rise of these young stars is a testament to the growing strength of Indian women’s football. As they continue to develop and gain international experience, the future of Indian women’s football looks incredibly promising. The rise of Garhwal United’s players, led by Akshay Unni, is an inspiring story of success and dedication that will motivate many young girls to follow their dreams and make their mark on the global stage.
Magan Patwal, Sunil Negi, Anil Negi, Sunil Patwal
The successful journey of 5 exceptional football players is praiseworthy. They will be a driving force for other girls.