What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: Anjali Munda, Salina Kumari, Sudha Ankita Tirkey, Astam Oraon, Poornima Kumari, Neetu Linda and Anita Kumari might not ring a bell to us. But theirs is a story of triumph over challenges as they dream big – to represent the country in the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in October this year.
The seven tribal footballers are part of the group of 33 Indian players that are selected for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup training camp that is being held in Jamshedpur.
The selection of seven tribal players show that the effort of Jharkhand government in promoting sports in the state is showing results.
“We are thankful to the state government for taking care of us during the pandemic. Even when our training was affected due to COVID, the state government took care of our needs,” Poornima, who hails from Gumla, said.
“What is important that the state government has let us train in Jharkhand. It is important for us as we need to be ready and prepare well before the tournament,” Poornima, whose village lacked facility for women’s football, said while thinking Chief Minister Hemant Soren, whose personal intervention ensured that Indian team’s training does not suffer.
“I have been playing football for past three years and it is a proud moment for me to be part of the World Cup squad,” she added.
“These daughters of soil are a matter of pride for our state. They showed tremendous courage and patience during the pandemic times. Now, they have a chance to represent the nation,” a statement from Jharkhand CM’s secretariat stated.
“The state government under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren, has also shown the much needed willingness to make their dreams come true. Support shall be extended to the selected candidates coming out of the camps by the Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture ,Sports & Youth Affairs,” it stated.
To provide support to these girls, football kits were provided by the Department of Sports and t-shirts were provided by the UNICEF, the statement added.
