Did you know Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was known for its steel production? Their NFL team Steelers is also named in honour to the city’s steel mill heritage.
Well soon, Pittsburgh is going to be known for a young Indian-American woman who graduated high school early, committed to Stanford University, played at a Fifa U-17 World Cup in the nation of her ancestry and scored a worldie against them on the opening night. It will still be known for steel, her nerves of steel.
Mia Bhuta. Remember the name.
The day before the tournament began, she walked into the press conference room in Odisha alongside head coach Natalia Astrain and the team media officer. Two of her teammates followed too – there was a quiet wave of whispers across the media seats. “Why are so many players here?” We would soon find out.
“Hi everyone, thank you all for being here,” she began, and was immediately interrupted by some microphone feedback. “I just want to say thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, organisers in India and FIFA for planning this event.”
She seemed to have prepared an opening statement and we were all curious for what was to come.
“My dad was born in India and grew up here,” she continued. “He came to the US at 16 to pursue his passion – so for me to be here at 16 following my dream to be at a World Cup, it is really special to me.”
We were keen to learn more about her. She mentioned that her grandparents still lived here and this wasn’t her first time in the country. “India is going to be a great opponent, especially playing them at home. I know the culture, I know the passion that everyone has, it’s going to be super exciting,” she added.
Special moment for Mia Bhuta, whose father hails from Gujarat, India! She's the first Indian-American to represent the USWNT at a @FIFAWWC at any level. pic.twitter.com/gDK80d6C7A
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) October 11, 2022
She shared that she had derived values of a good work ethic and being a dreamer [amongst others] from her Indian heritage. She went on, “but really, what’s most important to me is the inspiration that both teams can be for all the Indian girls here. I really hope they can view their own journey through ours.” These words would resonate for days to come in the World Cup.
Bhuta sounded like she had been media trained for a good few years. Ironically, the only time she was at a loss for words was when she was asked about her impeccable media skills. “Umm… I don’t know”, she said with a shy smile. “This is really the first time talking to so many people so… I’m glad it’s good.”
“I want to do whatever I can to help the girls follow their dreams and support them,” she concluded. And she meant it. What followed was something you don’t see at a press conference often. Team USA had a duffle bag filled with football gear including cleats, joggers, shorts, trackpants, etc. A group of local Odisha footballers (academy athletes of Govt of Odisha Sports & Youth Services) entered and were addressed by Mia Bhuta alongside a couple of her teammates and Astam Oraon (Captain of Team India). They went on to distribute the goodies as a token of giving back.
When asked if the family was divided on whom to support in the big India vs USA clash, her response was, “I know that regardless, whether it is my team or the Indian team scoring incredible goals, they’re just happy that we can show the world what we can do.”
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