From Tottenham Hotspur to Fulham, Tanvie Hans' tryst with London continues
Great sportspersons relish challenges, they like the idea of people or situations presenting obstacles in the way for it allows them to demonstrate their ability, to outperform themselves and to come up with something out of the ordinary.
Delhi girl - Tanvie Hans is attempting just that. A regular with the Tottenham Hotspurs ladies team over the last 2 seasons, she has decided to move to West London and shall now turn out for the Fulham Ladies team.
Speaking exclusively to SportsKeeda about the move, the 25-year-old exuded joy and seemed buoyant about her time at Craven Cottage, “Fulham ladies are a brand new team they're only one season old. The set up however, is extremely professional and I have no doubt they will be moving up every season.”
“Everything from the facilities to the management and coaching is what I would imagine men's professional clubs would be like. And all the coaches, management and girls are lovely. We all get along, and we're all one big unit. It's a highly encouraging environment.”
Upon being asked what made her leave Spurs, she added, “There were no differences; just that I thought of this as a brilliant new opportunity. The coaches at Fulham are amazing and approachable. And I know they're really low down in the league table, but that has no reflection on the standard of players, who are brilliant and committed. That's coupled with the set-up; I'm sure the time I spend here will be the most fruitful of my career.”
The club, in fact, has a rich heritage when it comes to their ladies team. They became the first women's' football team in Europe to turn full-time professional in April 2000. However, club chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed reverted the club to semi-professional status three years later.
Half a decade later, the team were dissolved on 16 May 2006 but were later re-established soon. It dissolved for a second time in June 2010 when sponsors pulled out following a second successive relegation and as Tanvie mentioned were re-initiated only a year ago. The set-up does seem right for her to prosper; they have a fairly young side that if nurtured could dominate football in the area.
Set to don the traditional white and black jersey soon, she sounded extremely motivated to make a pronounced contribution to the ascent of the club, “I’m really looking forward to this season and am motivated strongly to be a part of this growth of the club, and contribute/see it rise.”
Two years ago, she set an example, showing how it was possible for a girl from India to play in Europe. This time, the poster girl of ‘Bend it like Beckham - The Musical’ has a different set of goals. Thus, in what is her second wind in London, she will hopefully keep moving towards achieving greater success.