Bengal Woman Coaches Tribal Girls in Football After Quitting Her Dream

The Better India · lifestyle

Forced to abandon her own football aspirations at 16 due to community pressure and poverty, Bharati Mudi now coaches tribal girls for free in rural Bankura. Inspired by her daughter Tania's interest in 2009, Bharati began training local girls, drawing on her limited playing experience. She provides free coaching, often using her own money for equipment, to overcome financial barriers. Her dedication has enabled around 25 girls to train under her, with at least 18 progressing to represent West Bengal and some reaching national tournaments.