There is a special pride attached to representing your country, and it doubles when you achieve that success against the odds.
Sumati Kumari is the youngest daughter of a marginal farmer from Jharkhand. And often toils in the fields as well to help make a living for her family of six. In fact, she managed to go beyond high school solely on the basis of government aid.
And now, Sumati will play for India at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the world’s second-oldest continental football championship, beginning on January 20. The teenager is the only one educated in her family, currently pursuing her BA Part I at Kartik Oraon College, Gumla.
Currently in a bio-bubble in Maharashtra, Sumati will represent the host team in the prestigious tournament over nearly three weeks and 30 matches. Against two dozen of Asia’s best football teams. Her footballing achievement has been recognised by Chief Minister Hemant Soren too.
It’s a dream come true for this 18-year-old and her coach from the district residential sports center. Veena Kerketta is elated with this opportunity. It’s a doubly happy moment for Kerketta because the talented Jharkhand youngster was her discovery in the field of The Indian Tribal sports in Jharkhand.
The coach had spotted Sumati at a selection camp in St Patrick School, Gumla, in 2016. That day, the teen had topped the list of successful candidates. Having been judged by veterans such as Sylvanus Dungdung and Amisha Bakhla.
Sumati hasn’t looked back since then. She played for the Indian eves’ Under-15 squad in Bhutan, Hong Kong and Turkey. She was also due to attend the U-17 Women’s World Cup coaching camp. However, the pandemic put paid to that camp and the FIFA tournament is now scheduled for this year.
The Jharkhand tribal’s mettle has been tested in the past few years. She was at a coaching camp in Goa when she lost her mother. “Also, Sumati often works in the fields,” says Kerketta. “She could only study in a college because food and accommodation were provided free at the training center for The Indian Tribal Sports in Jharkhand ”
Kerketta is quick to point out that Sumati’s is not an unusual situation for tribal youngsters. “The girls don’t have the financial means to study beyond school despite being talented sportspersons,” she says.
“The government pays for their meals and accommodation. But a lot more needs to be done for their regular education,” she emphasises. “Otherwise, we will be seeing dropouts in the sports field as well.”
Sumati’s success has given a new sheen to Gumla’s residential sports centre. Among the many promising talents are two girls who are getting special coaching with an eye on the U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The youngest member of the national squad for the Asian Cup, Sumati has done her family, state and coach proud. Kerketta is in regular touch over the phone. And plans to observe her student’s performances carefully on TV, to offer tips.
A week ago, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren tweeted a congratulatory message for Sumati for bagging a spot in the Asian Cup team and wished her all the best.
