Sport can be life changing in a country where millions of girls are illegally married in childhood, limiting their futures to a life of domestic chores and dependence on their husbands. Football is one way some young girls are fighting back, finding a way to become financially independent, carve out their own identities and to resist the pressure to marry early. Divya Arya has met some of them in the north-western state of Rajasthan. Shot and edited by Sandeep Yadav.

Source: BBC February 16, 2026 13:54 UTC