On Saturday, Indian footballers Jyoti Chouhan, MK Kashmina, and Kiran Pisda etched their names in history by playing pivotal roles in ZNK Dinamo Zagreb’s maiden Croatian Women’s Football Cup victory. The final match against the dominant ZNK Osijek, 19-time champions, was a tense affair that ultimately went to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
The shootout itself was a nail-biting spectacle, extending to a sudden death scenario before Kashmina stepped up to coolly convert the winning penalty, sealing a 5-4 victory for Dinamo Zagreb. This triumph marked a momentous occasion for the Croatian capital side, who had previously lost the final in the previous season.
ZNK Dinamo Zagreb has become a sanctuary for Indian women footballers in recent years, beginning with Jyoti and Soumya Guguloth joining the team in 2022. They were subsequently joined by winger Kiran and Kashmina, who have all played instrumental roles in the team’s success. While Kashmina entered the final as a substitute, both Jyoti and Kiran participated in the entire game. Notably, Jyoti and Kashmina had previously scored goals in the quarterfinal and semifinal stages, respectively.
This victory is a testament to the talent and dedication of these Indian footballers, who have made significant contributions to Dinamo Zagreb’s historic cup win. Their journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring athletes and further solidifies India’s growing presence in the international football arena.
