By Rohan Chowdhury
Indian women’s football team stalwart and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan has announced her retirement from professional football after a decorated 17-year career. One of the most iconic names in Indian women’s football, she made 57 international appearances and represented several top Indian clubs.
In a historic move, she also became the first Indian women’s team player to play competitive club football in England, turning out for West Ham United Ladies, for whom she made seven appearances. Her journey from Delhi to London remains a defining chapter in the evolution of Indian women’s football.
Chauhan made her senior national team debut in 2011 and soon became a cornerstone of the success of the Blue Tigresses in the region. She was instrumental in India’s SAFF Championship victories in 2012, 2016, and 2019, and also played a key role in securing gold medals at the South Asian Games in 2016 and 2019.
At the domestic level, Chauhan’s contributions were just as significant. She lifted the Indian Women’s League (IWL) title with Gokulam Kerala FC in 2019-20 and 2021-22. Under her watchful presence between the sticks, the Malabarians reached the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Club Championship, securing a commendable third-place finish.
Even in her final season, the 32-year-old showed her class. She was a vital figure for the newly-promoted Sribhumi FC, helping the Kolkata-based side to a third-place finish in the IWL. It’s an achievement that spoke volumes of her consistency and leadership.
Announcing her retirement on social media, she wrote a heartfelt message reflecting on her journey, challenges, and gratitude.
“After 17 unforgettable years, I’m retiring from professional football with deep gratitude and pride. This game gave me more than just a career; it gave me an identity. From chasing a dream in Delhi to carving out my own path all the way to the UK… I gave everything to the game — my focus, my fire, my body — all in pursuit of that No. 1 jersey for India.”
“What I’m most proud of as a professional athlete is the consistency. Across 17 years, I kept coming back — through setbacks, through injuries, through every doubt — and earned the No. 1 spot time and again.”
As she steps away from the pitch, Chauhan has set her sights on giving back to the sport that gave her everything.
“I now step into life beyond the pitch… not as a player anymore, but as someone committed to building a stronger pathway and ecosystem for the next generation. My second half is about giving back to the game that gave me everything.”
Chauhan leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics. She leaves as a trailblazer, a leader, and an inspiration for countless young girls in India aspiring to make a mark in football.
Her journey — marked by resilience, excellence, and a relentless pursuit of dreams — will remain one of Indian football’s most powerful stories.
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