Hill Voice, 24 September 2022, Dhaka: Bangladesh women have recently become champion in South Asia. Bangladesh beat Nepal 3-1 to win the Women’s SAFF Championship title. For the first time, women footballers won the title of the South Asian football. In this victory, like the entire country, the indigenous peoples of the hills and plains are also happy and joyful. There are 7 indigenous woman footballers from Chittagong Hill Tracts and Plains in the SAAF winner woman team.

On September 19, Bangladesh women’s football team defeated Nepal 3-1 in the SAFF championship. Five players of the Bangladesh team have come from Ghagra High School in Kaukhali Upazila of Rangamati. The five players are Anai Mogini, Anuching Mogini, Monika Chakma, Rituparna Chakma and Rupana Chakma. Two members of that team midfielder Rituparna Chakma and goalkeeper Rupana Chakma are from Rangamati. Meanwhile, Ritu’s home is in Maghachari Chakma Para of Kaukhali upazila. And Rupana Chakma’s house is in Ghilachari Bhuiadam Para of Naniarchar upazila. Despite coming from the same school, twin sisters Anai and Anuching live in Satbhaiya Para area of ​​Khagrachari and Monika Chakma’s house is in Barmachari area of ​​Lakshmichari upazila. And Maria Manda and Shiuli Azim came from Kalsindur in Mymensingh. They headed towards the road to fulfill their dreams by overcoming various obstacles with indomitable spirit, strong will and determination.

On the other hand, the homes of two sisters Anai Mogini and Anuching Mogini are in Satbhaiya village of Khagrachari Sadar Upazila. Monika Chakma’s house is in Barmachari village of Lakshmichari upazila of Khagrachari. Midfielder Rituparna Chakma’s house is in Moghachari village of Ghagra union in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati. And national team goalkeeper Rupana Chakma’s house is in Bhuyochari village of Ghilachari union in Naniarchar upazila of Rangamati.

According to Ghagra High School sources, Anai Mogini, Monika Chakma and Anuching Mogini’s football started with Bongomata Gold Cup in 2011. All were admitted to Ghagra High School in 2012. Since then women’s football team was formed with them. The district administration and law enforcement officials helped in constructing separate houses and accommodation for these players near Ghagra High School. A trainer named Shanti Moni Chakma was assigned to train them. Among five indigenous women players of the national team, Monika, Anuching and Anai have passed SSC from Ghagra High School. Among the other two, goalkeeper Rupana is studying in Class IX at Ghagra High School and Rituparna went to BKSP after studying up to Class VIII in there.

Talking to local people, it is learnt that Birasen Chakma, the then headmaster of Maghachari Government Primary School in Ghagra Union of Kaukhali Upazila, formed a team from the beginning with Anai Mogini, Monika Chakma and Anuching Mogini. He looked after all facilities including training, accommodation and food. In 2011, with his efforts Anai Mogini’s team won the Bongomata Gold Cup. Later Rupana Chakma and Rituparna Chakma joined.

Meanwhile Anai Mogini and Anuching Mogini were born minutes apart, almost the same looks, both footballers, started playing at the same time. But in one place they differ. Anai is a defender and Anuching is a forward. The two sisters have been playing in the national team for several years, maintaining dominance in both parts of the field. As a result, this year’s member of the SAFF champion team.

On September 19, Bangladesh women’s football team defeated Nepal 3-1 in the SAFF championship. Two members of that team, midfielder Rituparna Chakma and goalkeeper Rupana Chakma, are from Rangamati. Among them, Ritu’s house is in Maghachari Chakma village of Kaukhali upazila. And Rupana Chakma’s house is in Ghilachari Bhuiadam village of Naniarchar upazila.

Midfielder Maria Manda’s house is in Mandirkona village behind Kalsindur School. Very fast flowing Netai River has to be crossed to go to that village. As there is no bridge, you have to cross the river by pulling a rope in a boat. There is unbridled enthusiasm among the people across the river. Maria is now an important member of the Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team. She is now the pride of the local people. Everyone hopes that these dream-winning woman footballers will spread more light.