India international Dalima Chhibber joins Canadian university side Manitoba Bisons

The full-back has moved to North America to complete her graduate and post-graduate education.

India women's national team mainstay, Dalima Chhibber has joined Canadian university side Manitoba Bisons.

The Delhi based 21-year old defender rose to fame when she scored an outstanding free-kick from far out against Nepal in the SAFF Championships. The 40-yard curler went viral on social media, as the ball thundered into the top left corner, leaving the opposition goalkeeper awestruck. That goal grabbed the attention of Indian football fans, as they appreciated her skills.

Chhibber, who primarily plays as a right-back for Maymol Rocky's side can also slot into midfield, if required. Her tenacity and work rate are her biggest strengths, along with her occasional set-pieces which can catch any opposition off guard.

However, the Delhi-based girl who used to represent the Gokulam Kerala Women's team in the Indian Women's League has now decided to shift to Canada and complete her studies in sports psychology. Hence, she has joined the Manitoba Unversity and will represent the Bisons.

Speaking about her decision to go to Canada the 21-year old sounded optimistic and believed that the move will only help her to hone her skills in the game. “Women’s football, in general, is something that has started to gain little recognition now. New girls are coming in. But in India, I see a far fetched goal at the moment. That is the reason I chose Canada. Otherwise, I would be playing for a club in Europe, which is pretty expensive.

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"I did not get enough sponsors. I have not received the expected support from people when I asked for it. I can see a future in footballer, but i cannot see football sustaining me as a person. That is why I opted for Canada to play there and also complete my Masters because you need to sustain financially while playing football," she asserted.

Crucially, the 21-year-old has plans to play for India in the future and will make herself available for the upcoming matches of the national team. With the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup just around the corner, the team needs players like Chhibber who can represent India globally and be a role-model for the people in the country. It will only increase the profile of women's football in India.