Meeting Luka Modric was My Biggest Inspiration: Jyoti Chauhan

Ray Sportz Web Desk: From a small village in Madhya Pradesh to the football fields of Europe, Jyoti Chauhan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. The first Indian woman to score a hat-trick in European club football, Jyoti has now embarked on a new chapter with East Bengal FC. In a candid chat with Ray Sportz, the trailblazing forward opens up about her struggles, inspirations, her meeting with Luka Modric, and her dreams for Indian women’s football.
Ray Sportz: Jyoti, first of all, a new journey begins with East Bengal. How are you feeling?
Jyoti: I’m really happy and excited. Joining East Bengal feels like a new chapter in my career. I’ve been following this club for a while, and I can’t wait to play and make my contribution.
Ray Sportz: Everyone knows about your remarkable stint in Europe — becoming the first Indian to score a hat-trick there. How would you describe that experience?
Jyoti: When I first joined a European club, the weather and physical intensity were challenging. But my goal was to perform well so that people recognize that India also has talented footballers. It was tough at first, but once I adapted, I started to gain confidence and improve with every match.
Ray Sportz: How different is European football from Indian football?
Jyoti: The game there is faster, more physical, and the players are very strong technically. But it pushed me to raise my level and learn how to handle pressure. That experience has helped me a lot.
Ray Sportz: Why did you choose East Bengal after returning to India?
Jyoti: Kolkata is the heart of Indian football. I’ve seen East Bengal fans — their passion is incredible! I have some friends here too. When you play in front of such a crowd, it motivates you to give your best every time.
Ray Sportz: Tell us a bit about your football journey from the beginning.
Jyoti: I come from a small village called Sardarpur in Indore district. I started playing football in class four. Back then, no girls played football — I was the only one. The field was right behind my house, so I used to play there every day. In 2012, my father passed away, and that changed everything. I had to take care of my family and fight against social pressure. People used to say, “Girls shouldn’t play football.” But I wanted to prove them wrong.
Ray Sportz: How do those people treat you now?
Jyoti: (smiles) It’s funny! The same people who once criticized me now proudly say, “She’s from our village!” or “She’s our daughter.” That’s the best feeling — when your success changes people’s mindset.
Ray Sportz: You have tattoos of your parents. What’s the story behind them?
Jyoti: I’ve seen many players with tattoos of gods or quotes. But for me, my parents are everything. I had only one picture of my father, so I decided to make it permanent — this way, he’ll always be with me.
Ray Sportz: You met Luka Modric — what was that like?
Jyoti: Honestly, it was one of the best moments of my life! We trained on the same ground. He’s such a humble person. When I met him, he spoke to me for about 5–10 minutes, asking how football is in India and how I was feeling there. I couldn’t believe that a legend like him was talking to me. That meeting truly inspired me.
Ray Sportz: How has your European experience helped you as a player?
Jyoti: Playing in Europe made me stronger mentally and physically. Now, under Coach Anthony Koch at East Bengal, I’m improving further. He understands my game well and helps me work on specific areas. Our main goal is to qualify for the AFC Cup and perform well as a team.
Ray Sportz: You’ve recently joined the team — not much time to train. Are you confident?
Jyoti: Yes! I already know some players from the national team and a few new ones here. Everyone is supportive, and the environment is great. I’m confident we’ll build good chemistry soon.
Ray Sportz: East Bengal fans are known for their high expectations. Do you feel any pressure?
Jyoti: There’s pressure, yes — but it’s positive pressure. Fans’ energy motivates us. They come from far away, chant our names, and support us. That love keeps us going.
Ray Sportz: Recently, India’s women’s cricket team won the World Cup. Does that inspire you?
Jyoti: Absolutely! I was so happy watching them win. My dream is that one day, Indian women’s football will also reach the World Cup stage and make the country proud.
Ray Sportz: Thank you, Jyoti. All the best for the AFC campaign!
Jyoti: Thank you so much. We’ll give our best — and I hope to make our fans and country proud.

From the dusty fields of Sardarpur to the stadium lights of Kolkata, Jyoti Chauhan’s story is one of grit, faith, and fire. As she dons the red and gold jersey of East Bengal, her dream burns brighter — to take Indian women’s football to the world stage.