Help started pouring in from different quarters for Dhanbad based international women footballer Sangeeta Soren, who is compelled to work at a brick kiln at her native village at Baghmara block due to financial crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sports and AYUSH (Independent Charge) on Sunday took note of the 20-year-old player’s condition after former MLA of Baharagora Kunal Sarangi sent a tweet himself describing her plight.
Rijiju retweeted Sarandi and said, “I have been informed about footballer Sangeeta Soren, who has represented India in international competitions, and is in a financial crisis during this pandemic. My office has contacted her and financial help will be extended soon. Ensuring a dignified life for athletes is our priority.”
Sangeeta played for India Under-18 in 2018 in Bhutan and also at Thailand in 2019 for the Under-19 team. She is presently at home during lockdown since selection trials for the Senior Women Football team is suspended due to the pandemic.
Her father Dube Soren is visually challenged and has hearing impairment. Her brother Babuchand Soren works at a construction site but fails to get work opportunities on a daily basis hence she is compelled to work at a brick kiln in her village to support the family income.
On Saturday, Dev Kumar Verma, Dhanbad based BCCL officer who runs schools offering free education to the children of coal pickers in Katras, met Sangeeta at her home in Baghmara and extended financial help.
Verma who earlier served as the district coordinator for selection trial for prospective trainees for the Hotwar based Sports Academy in 2017, also assured to liaison for the job to her at the Academy.
“I visited her home and found the women player so humble but dedicated to work that is unparalleled as despite working to earn for the family she also carries out regular practice at ground,” said Verma to The Telegraph Online.
The national commission for women chairperson, Rekha Sharma has also written to the Jharkhand government to extend help and support to women players.
A copy of NCW chairperson’s letter has also been sent to All India Football Federation president Prafful Patel.
