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May 13, 2026 10:30 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom

Relentless journey of Jasmine Mander, from set back to getting back in the game

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Jasmine Mander during a conversation with Connect FM News Director Pervez Sandhu. (Photo - Connect FM)

Jasmine Mander was 5 years old when he father, Dildar Mander, took her to a soccer field. That was her first introduction to soccer. At the time, Dildar Mander's daughter had no idea what kind of heights could be achieved in this game. The journey that started with his father taking her to the field, saw many achievements including her association with the Canadian women soccer team that won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Jasmine was a staff member of that gold medal Canadian Soccer Team. But in this career full of achievements, Jasmine saw a period about two years ago, where the drone controversy happened and Jasmine had to face a ban. But players know how to get up after falling, and Jasmine did the same making a strong comeback into the game. Jasmine has joined the Irish women's national team as a performance analyst.

Jasmine Mander

A strong comeback

Jasmine Mander, after staying away from the game due to the drone controversy for around a year, has made a strong comeback once again and has started serving as a performance analyst with the Irish national women's team. Jasmine said that she had a conversation with the Irish coach and she had shown a lot of interest in adding Jasmine to the team. Jasmine said that she understands that the Irish team has the potential to play well and joining them seemed like a good opportunity and that is why she decided to join the team. Jasmine said that she is currently moving forward with the goal of taking the Irish team to the World Cup. Jasmine says that her focus is currently on the Irish team and has not yet made a decision about what other opportunities can be explored in the future.

Jasmine Mander

Feeling satisfied

Jasmine says that she wanted to work with high-level teams and that is what has happened. She said that her focus was not on the club level or university level at the moment, and there is still a lot of unfinished business at the high level that she is trying to complete. Jasmine's father is also a fan of the game of soccer and knows and understands the game, and Jasmine said that he is also happy with this kind of comeback.

Difficult times came with a lesson

Jasmine says that during difficult times she learned what issues to focus on and what the priorities should be. She said that the good thing was that even in those difficult circumstances, her love for the game did not decrease. She said that that time taught her that sometimes in professional work one can feel very lonely and your heights and achievements can be very high but any small mistake can bring you down. She said that the support of the family always helped her cope during difficult times. Jasmine says that her football career is quite long and even if she thought to step aside from football and pursue a career in physiotherapy, she never took it seriously and kept the focus on coaching.

Jasmine Mander with her father Dildar Mander

Family support

Jasmine feels lucky that her family helped her cope during the ban. She said that there are two types of people, one who truly support you and stay with you at every step (high or low), and the other who is with you only during the good times. Jasmine said that many people around the world knew that this was just a phase and that this too would pass soon. She said that when the difficult period began, it seemed that everyone's attention was focused on this issue, but after some time, she understood that there was no need to be discouraged and the hesitation to talk about this problem was also gone.

Jasmine Mander

Advice to people going through a struggle

Jasmine says that when people struggle or face a difficult time, it is important to stay positive in some way or the other. She said that she was lucky that family and friends took care of her, but everyone's situation is different and everyone needs to ensure lifting themselves in their own way.

Jasmine Mander

People should support soccer

Jasmine says that the game needs the support of the people for its success and in the area. She said that if more people buy tickets and watch the games, it will give a boost to the players. Jasmine said that while participation is essential for the development of the sport, it is also important for the people of the area to go and watch the competitions, as this will encourage the players and also keep the financial support coming to keep the game alive.

To watch the interview, click the following link:

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