From Kerala to Romania: Footballer Harshika Jain first Indian to sign for Romanian club

Dubai: For Harshika Jain, a 22-year-old footballer from Mumbai, receiving an offer to play in Europe was nothing short of a dream come true. She has now made history as the first Indian footballer to sign with a Romanian top-tier club, CS Atletic Olimpia Gherla.

“It feels like family here,” Harshika told The Times of India. “That’s really important to me. I’m very close to my family, and the club has welcomed me with open arms. It feels like home.”

Despite the European breakthrough, Harshika remains firmly focused on her ultimate goal. “Wearing the Indian jersey — that’s always been the dream,” she said.

Her move to Romania came after a 20-day trial at Olimpia Gherla, where she impressed legendary coach Mirel Albon, the architect of Romania’s rise in women’s football. She became the first Indian to be signed by a club in Romania’s top two women’s leagues.

Olimpia Gherla competes in Liga 1 Feminin, Romania’s premier women’s league, which is part of the Uefa structure. This opens the door for Harshika to potentially compete in elite European tournaments like the Uefa Women's Champions League.

Harshika’s journey in football began when she was just 11. She was often the only girl training with boys at her school and in her neighborhood, where girls’ football was virtually nonexistent. Her path has been paved with determination, countless late-night training sessions, and perseverance through the pandemic.

Things got serious during her time at St Joseph’s College, Devagiri in Kozhikode. She went on to represent her college in the Kerala Women’s League in 2023–24, which eventually led to a signing with Gokulam Kerala FC.

“From Kozhikode to Romania. Best wishes to Harshika on her move to CS Atletic Olimpia Gherla. Go shine on the European stage,” Gokulam posted on social media.

While several Indian women have previously played for European clubs — Bala Devi with Rangers WFC, Aditi Chauhan with West Ham United WFC, and Manisha Kalyan with Greek club PAOK — Harshika’s signing marks a new milestone.