At six, Suhani lost her father, but found resilience in football while growing up with her grandparents in Bicharpur, called ‘Mini Brazil’

BHOPAL: It’s not every day that a girl from a little-known tribal village gets to rub shoulders with globally renowned players at one of Germany’s top football clubs. But for 15-year-old Suhani Kol from Shahdol district, the dream is about to come true. She is among five aspiring footballers selected for a prestigious training programme at FC Ingolstadt 04.Her journey, however, has been anything but easy. At six, Suhani witnessed the murder of her father, a trauma that left emotional scars. Abandoned by her paternal family, she was taken in by her maternal grandparents in Bicharpur, now known as “Mini Brazil” for its passion for football. Despite the shadows of her past, Suhani has carved a story of resilience.Guided by German coach and former Bundesliga player Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Suhani will train in Germany from Oct 4 to 12. She left for Delhi Thursday with coach Laxmi Sahees before flying out Friday evening, her heart brimming with anticipation.A Class X student, Suhani has been picked as a goalkeeper, a position she embraced with determination. She has represented her state in four school national tournaments. “I miss my father daily, but football gives me strength,” Suhani says, her voice carrying both sorrow and resolve.