From Village Ground to National Stage, Football Is Transforming Girls’ Lives in Gujarat’s Patan

Aug 19, 2026

In Mahadevpura village of Gujarat’s Patan district, football is creating new opportunities for girls. Since 2010, schoolteacher and coach Rangatji Thakor has trained girls free of cost, inspiring more than 100 to take up the sport, with over 52 reaching national-level competitions. Football is also helping girls continue their education and challenge social barriers such as early marriage. Players like Kamuben Thakor are pursuing higher education alongside national-level competition, supported by scholarships and their families. Others, including Bhavana Thakor, have progressed from district and state victories to national competitions. With several girls winning medals at national events, Mahadevpura’s football ground has become a platform for confidence, education, skills and opportunity, showing how sport can help girls shape a more empowered future.