UK citizen Tanvie can represent Delhi,but not India

The winger,however,has never stayed in the United Kingdom. Having opted for the British citizenship through familial lineage,the prospect of being ineligible for national representation never crossed her mind. “I never thought my nationality will stop me from representing India. I think anybody would have gone for the British Citizenship then,” she says.

As local tournaments and,at best,a state representation has become Tanvie’s small world of football,she has plans of pursuing it outside India alongside her studies. “I got the citizenship because it will be helpful for higher studies. I have been to England only during vacations and planning to go there after my graduation here,” she says,adding,“As long as I’m in Delhi,I will keep playing in these small tournaments but I will keep in touch with the game. I will wait for a chance to play in England when I move over. I don’t regret my British Citizenship anyway,but I want to take up the sport as a profession which will be easier in England,” Tanvie adds.

Good,but not good enough?
Coach Ishwar Singh Brar feels the 18-year-old would have been a first-choice for the Indian mould,but is apprehensive of a career abroad.

“Coaches initially judge players from very small things like how they run,take a turn and shoot. On that count she will be the first among the bunch of players to be identified as a notch above,but she wouldn’t be able to match the European standards,” the Railways coach says,adding,“Your game is always influenced by the standards you play in. This is why the emphasis is always on the grassroots. Tanvie has started playing in India and she is among the best playing in the country,but I don’t see her playing in Europe. It’s unfortunate that she can’t play for India.”