A daughter of a daily wage earner in North Dinajpur has been selected in the Bengal women’s football team that will play the Senior Women’s National Football Championship (NFC), commencing May 1.

Nandita Mondal, who hails from Nandajhar village under Goalpokhar block of the district, had earlier represented Bengal in the under-17 state women’s football team.

“She called us yesterday night from Calcutta and said that she will be playing in
the national tournament. Since her childhood, she has been passionate about football and plays as a goalkeeper. Despite various odds, she didn’t leave the sport. It is
indeed an achievement for her,” said Ashish, her father, who serves as a daily-rated worker.

Archana, Nandita’s mother, works as a housemaid to make additional earnings for the family.

“We are proud of our daughter. Even though she is from a remote village, she could find a berth in the state team. We want her to excel further,” said the mother.

Nandita, 18, studies in Class XI at Nandajhar High School. She has been playing football for over 10 years now.

“Her passion for football is encouraging. In the coming days, we want more girls from our village to play football and follow Nandita. She is an encouragement for all of us,” said Chandan Pal, who used to coach Nandita.

Sources said West Bengal is hosting the 28th edition of the NFC in Calcutta this year. Altogether, 12 teams — 11 from different states and one from railways — are participating at the championship. The matches would be played in Calcutta.

Minister of state Golam Rabbani, who is also the Goalpokhar MLA, was also appreciative of Nandita.

“We are confident that in the coming days, Nandita will prove her mettle. We
are ready to extend all necessary help to her so that she can continue playing football,” said Rabbani.