Jyoti Chauhan already wrote her name in the record book in Croatia last year. Playing for ZNK Dinamo Zagreb, the 24-year-old striker became the first Indian female footballer to have scored a hat-trick in Europe. 

Jyoti’s contract with Dinamo Zagreb ended this year and the girl from Sardarpur village near Indore in Madhya Pradesh has returned to the country fulfilling all her dreams. 

Dinamo Zagreb clinched their first-ever Croatian Cup title and Jyoti had a major contribution, scoring six goals in the competition including a hat-trick and strike in the final. 

Even, in the Croatian premier women’s league Zagreb finished fourth in the League table, the best in recent times and Jyoti contributed six goals. 

The India international is presently attending the ongoing national preparatory camp in Kolkata for the national women's team's forthcoming preparatory matches against Myanmar. 

When asked about her experience in Croatia Jyoti explained, "In the last two seasons I have learned a lot about the game, especially maintenance of fitness, developing technique, and off-the-ball movement. I am grateful to Zagreb's chief coach Maria who guided me with huge care, and fielded me in the team's every match." 

Jyoti remembers her memorable farewell day in the club where all her teammates, the club executives, and the coaching staff said they would miss her. 

Jyoti's other major desire was fulfilled in Croatia. That was meeting with legendary Croatian midfielder, World Cupper Luca Modric. She will not forget the moments ever. “One evening our team's training and Croatian men's national team's training ended almost at the same time and training pitches were very close.” 

She continued, "But the security never allowed anybody to see the national team’s training that time. Suddenly one of my friends told me that Luca was returning from training and it was an opportunity for me to stand in front of him. I was wearing our team jersey.”

Jyoti continued, “The dream came true. I cannot forget the moments. I was mesmerised to have watched his simplicity. He is one of the world football's superstars. Still, he asked me with care whether I was facing any difficulty there, my position on the field, about Indian football, and even a bit of valuable advice on how to become consistent. It is ever memorable for me.” 

After returning from Myanmar Jyoti will go back to her home in Sardarpur village to her mother Rekha Chauhan. That could be another intense desire she has been waiting for last year. Jyoti has not seen her mother and sisters for the last one year. But she talked with her mother almost every day from Zagreb over the telephone. 

Jyoti admits spontaneously that her journey with football would not have seen the lights if her mother had not fought for her with indomitable courage and patience after her father passed away in 2012. 

It was nightmarish five to six years Chauhan's family had to go through. After her father's sudden demise, the family slumped into dire financial distress, and total darkness. None of their relatives or close associates stood by them. They put huge psychological pressure through the taunts and harsh criticism of Jyoti and one of the sisters who also loved to play football. It was Rekha Chauhan who kept her daughters from these hurdles and inspired them with the belief that Jyoti must shine in her journey with football. 

The striker also mentioned her local coach Shailendra Paul's name. "He did everything for us during that time. He provided temporary jobs, food, and clothes for our survival and additionally, he trained me, inspiring me continuously to establish myself as a footballer," remembered Jyoti. 

Jyoti has preserved a few of the Rs 500 notes still for the last 12 years. It was her first earnings from football. She was studying 12th standard at that time, went to take part in an invitational tournament in Indore, and scored in the final to help her team win. "I received around six thousand rupees, handed over to mother, and kept a few of the Rs 500 notes as memento," concluded Jyoti.