Come Back Stronger: Kerr Extends Support To India

Mumbai, Jan 26: Australia star Sam Kerr extended her support to the Indian women’s football team, issuing a heartfelt video message to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 hosts on Wednesday. India’s participation in the ongoing tournament came to an end on January 23, when Covid-19 cases and injuries failed them to name the minimum 13 players for the match against Chinese Taipei and led to their withdrawal from the event.

Kerr, who is leading the tournament’s scoring charts with six goals from two matches, sympathised with team India’s plight and urged them to use the setback as motivation for the future. “I just wanted to say how sorry I am for the situation you guys are in right now,” said the Australian captain in a video message posted by Indian Football Team on Twitter. “I’m so disappointed for you guys, I know you’ve been working so hard for this tournament. “Use this as fuel and come back stronger. I was looking forward to hopefully playing against you but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully in the future we’ll meet.”

Australia forward @samkerr1 with a heart-felt message to our #BlueTigresses ? #BackTheBlue ? #ShePower ? #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/tKrNPxERmC

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 26, 2022

Kerr, who has family roots in India, is a popular figure among football fans in the country. Earlier, she reflected on the significance of playing a major tournament in the country that was once home to her grandparents and father. “It’s special,” said Kerr, after being voted Player of the Match against Indonesia. “I definitely thought about that before the game; how special that would be for my family that I’m in India. “It’s my first time here, so – even just seeing the culture and, when we drive here, looking outside and seeing the people – everyone has been so welcoming, and I know that there’s a lot of Indian fans out there that follow me.” Australia’s campaign will continue with a Group B match against Thailand on January 27, with the 2010 Champions having already booked their place in the knockout stage.