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22-year-old footballer Harshika Jain has scripted history as she has become the fourth Indian to be snapped up by a European football club. Before Harshika, Bala Devi, Manisha Kalyan and Aditi Chauhan also played in Europe. She has become a part of Atletic Olimpia Gherla for the Romanian first division club. Jain’s journey is unprecedented as her diligence has earned her the latest success. She indulged herself in late-night training sessions and lockdown drills to pull off the sensational achievement. Harshika’s football journey started at school, where she was the only girl to train with boys.
Her move to Romania came through trial at Olimpia Gherla, where she put up an impressive performance in the presence of legendary coach Mirel Albon, the man who played an instrumental role in Romania’s evolution in women’s football. Following a 20-day trail, the club handed her a contract. “It feels like family here. And that’s important to me. I’m close to my family, and the club environment reflects that. They’ve welcomed me with open arms,” said Jain. However, despite reserving the lucrative offer, she has said that donning national colours is her biggest objective. “Wearing India’s jersey, that’s the dream. Always has been,” added Harshika.
What can Harshika get if she performs exceptionally for Olimpia Gherla?
Olimpia Gherla is a club in Liga 1 Feminin, Romania’s premier women’s league. If Harshika does a magnificent job for Gherla, she can get to play in the illustrious European tournament such as the UEFA Women's Champions League.
In the last three years, Jain has developed superbly as a footballer. In 2023-24 she served her college St Joseph’s College, Devagiri in the Kerala Women’s League in 2023–24, which eventually led to her signing with Gokulam Kerala FC.
