Agartala: Mousumi Orang still vividly remembers how budding footballers from her village had to drop out from the sports in absence of opportunities. School level tournaments were the best they could afford to play as there were no clubs to sponsor teams for the higher level state tournaments.
But, she was fortunate enough to make it to the state team and her success in the sport changed the destiny of hundreds of footballers who otherwise had to work in tea gardens to assist their parents earn a living for their families.
The inspiring tale comes from Tripura’s Kailashahar, a place primarily known for the Unakoti rock carvings but nowadays female footballers from villages inhabited by the tea garden workers are also bringing widespread recognition for the place.
Speaking Exclusively to EastMojo, Mousumi who represents Tripura in the senior football team said, “I am happy that now the football skills of the girls of my village are being recognized by everyone. There was a time when despite having talent our girls have to compromise with their dreams as nothing was in our favour. For the last four years, we have been fortunate enough to have a local club here and so far around 150 trained footballers from our villages are playing at different levels. This is a satisfying experience for a sportsman.”
According to Mousumi, she was first selected for Bishramganja Play Centre to play the club league five years ago but later switched to Phulujhanu Athletics Club established at Kailashahar. “For the last four years I have been playing for my native club,” she recounted. While speaking about her journey Mousumi acknowledged the contribution of the people who established the Phulujhanu Athletics club and its founder Jaydip Ray. A social activist by profession, Ray was instrumental in giving a voice to the demands of tea garden workers for their socio-economic development.
Ray had been associated with ‘Tripura Cha Sramik Unnayan Samiti’ which literally translates to “Tripura Tea Workers Development Association”. On being contacted, Ray said that the idea of establishing a football club for the children was a dream of Mousumi.
“We arranged a felicitation event for her when she was selected for the under 17 state team. Her elder sister Prabashini was also a talented footballer but Moususmi is an exceptional player. During the event, she requested all of us to stand beside the girls who really want to do something in the field of football and hence the club was established in 2018. We are primarily focusing on two sports here—Archery and football,” he told EastMojo.
The club started its journey with around 10 to 15 girls but gradually the situation improved significantly. “A total of three girls from our club have represented Tripura in the under-17 league. Kunti Urang, Shabhamani Urang and Anita Goud have performed extremely well,” he added.
On being asked about the finances required for the club, he said, “Initially we started with the funds that we could arrange individually. Later, one of my elder cousins Pranab Roy extended helping hands and a trust was formed.
Baikunthanath Tarkabhusan Memorial Trust came into existence because of my brother’s efforts, who runs a publication house. The trust was named after the name of our great grandfather. This trust finances the funds required for participating in the club league tournaments.
Apart from that, the All India Football Federation and Tripura Football Federation also help us through the Khelo India Scheme and Asmita tournament. This is how we are working right now.”
Also Read | Exclusive: Extortion notices show militant resurgence in Tripura