Sangeeta Soren had represented India’s women football team in the under 18 level at international events at Thailand and Bhutan in 2018-19, and later became a part of the senior national team in 2020. Sangeeta is now compelled to work as a brick kiln worker at her village -- Bansmuri village in Baghmara block of Dhanbad.

“My father Dube Soren is visually challenged, and has hearing impairment and so he cannot earn anymore. My elder brother works at a construction site where labourers do not get paid regularly,” said Sangeeta, who has been sitting at home as the trials for the national women’s team has been suspended due to the pandemic.

“Poor financial condition of my family propelled me to work at the brick kiln of the village,” she added.

The work at the factory however never affects her practice as she regularly practises at the village ground along with other girls from 6 am to 8 am, she said. Sangeeta plays in the forward position as striker in the national team.

The footballer said that during the first wave of lockdown last year, Dhanbad Football Association had arranged foodgrains for her family but this year they have not received any help, compelling her to work.

The Telegraph Online asked her whether she had been approached by the government in this regard. “It is the responsibility of the state government to take care of the international players. I had even tried to draw the attention of the authorities by tweeting to the chief minister and had also applied for scholarships. However, since any response is yet to come in that regard, I have stopped trying now,” Sangeeta replied.

“The government should have known the whereabouts of the international players as they are limited in number. I think this is the reason why many players of Jharkhand are compelled to move to other states as they get better facilities there,” she opined.

“Had the government secured jobs for international players like us, other girls would have been encouraged to choose football as a career,” Sangeeta added.

The striker said she had learned to play football watching the boys in her village and later constituted an all-girls team. A footballer of her adjoining village, Sanjay Hembrom, served as her first coach providing her tips. Later, football player late Abhijeet Ganguly guided her at a crucial time.

Secretary of Dhanbad Football Association Faiyaz Ahmad reasoned, “We had provided some support to the family last year but were not aware of her condition this year. We will visit her home and try to extend all necessary support to her. She might not have secured a job due to being ineligible due to the age criteria, but we will approach the authorities to secure employment for her.”