Today, Tuesday, the minds of students at Malbahal Football Academy in Salanpur block of West Bardhaman will be focused on Thailand's Nimibut Stadium.
Today, Sonali Mondal is set to step onto the international stage wearing the Indian team jersey. Her coach, Sanjib Bauri's eyes filled with tears of pride and joy.
The SAFF Women's Futsal Championship is being held in Bangkok. India's first opponent is the Maldives. There is an atmosphere of excitement at Malbahal Football Academy regarding this international competition. This fighting girl, Bengal's sole representative, has secured a place in the national team from this very institution.
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A journey shaped by poverty, determination, and football
Sonali's rise comes from an extremely poor family in Behala, Kolkata. Her father, Babu Mondal, drives a van to support the family. No one keeps track of how the household runs with his wife, Purnima Mondal, three daughters and one son. Even though two daughters have been married off, there's no way to say the situation has improved much. However, Sonali never worried about financial crisis or social neglect. Football was the only thing on her mind. Sonali's journey began with a pledge to tame the leather ball and effortlessly overcome all obstacles.
Life's path changed after taking the secondary examination from Belgharia High School. At that time, this spirited girl caught the attention of Sanjib, the coach of Malbahal Football Academy. He brought Sonali to this academy adjacent to Hindustan Cables. This academy provides football training to girls alongside boys.
Balancing football with education
But playing football all the time wouldn't be enough. Education was also necessary. Sanjib took the initiative to admit Sonali to Chittaranjan Mahila Samiti Girls High School. From there, Sonali passed her higher secondary examination. Then she went to Hatgobindpur College under Burdwan University. After three years of continuous preparation at this academy, Sonali prepared herself to prove her skills on the international stage. Coach Sanjib said, "From the first meeting, looking at the girl's face, I felt she had the full strength to break through all barriers and move forward. She has tremendous determination. I just combined those two aspects and worked on preparing her. Now Sonali has to prove what she can do."
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Trials were held at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium to select footballers for the SAFF Futsal competition. Three Bengali footballers were called for the trial. Although the other two were eliminated, the selectors were impressed by Sonali's excellent football sense and agility. The final trial was held in Bengaluru. She secured a place in the selected 14-member team. According to Sanjib, "I believed the selectors wouldn't be able to ignore Sonali. Her skill is extraordinary. I just told her to throw all worries out of her head and dive into football. She kept her word. But this is the real test, and she has to pass it."
Regarding his daughter's progress, Sonali's father says, "All credit goes to Sanjib sir. If he hadn't been by her side, it wouldn't be possible for my daughter to reach this position." Her mother, Purnima shares the same sentiment. She says, "I want nothing more than for my daughter to succeed. She has been fighting poverty since childhood."
Today, Malbahal Football Academy will also weave golden dreams around Sonali!
