Posts in category: IWL 2023-24

In the serene village of Khagrabari, nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Assam, there lived a spirited young girl named Apurna. With the sun-kissed fields as her playground and the rustling trees as her audience, Apurna’s days were filled with mischief and laughter. From dawn till dusk, you could find Apurna racing across the village grounds, her nimble feet dancing to the rhythm of her dreams. But amidst the jubilant cheers and the playful banter, there lurked a dilemma – for you see, Apurna’s love for football often clashed with her mother’s insistence on timely meals.

Ah, the tales of woe that unfolded in the bustling Narzary household! While Apurna’s three sisters carried on with their daily routines, their mother found herself engaged in a relentless battle of wills with her spirited daughter. “Eat your meals, Apurna,” she would chide, her voice tinged with worry and exasperation, while her three sisters obediently complied. But Apurna, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a ball at her feet, would simply flash a grin and dash out the door, leaving her mother shaking her head in resignation.

But amidst the laughter and the play, there lay a dream – a dream of donning the colors of her nation and making her mark on the grand stage of Indian football. And so, with a heart full of hope and a determination that knew no bounds, Apurna embarked on a journey that would take her from the dusty village grounds to the grand stadiums of the Indian Women’s League.

Her journey was not without its trials and tribulations. As she awaited the next call after being shortlisted for the national team youth players during a trials organized by the national team department of AIFF, the shadow of a global pandemic cast a long shadow over her dreams. Locked down in her village, with the world at a standstill, Apurna refused to let despair consume her. Instead, she turned to the familiar embrace of the football pitch, practicing tirelessly day in and day out, her eyes fixed firmly on the future that awaited her.

Ah, but no tale of Apurna’s journey would be complete without mentioning her spirited encounters with her father, the very architect of her footballing dreams. In the early days, when Apurna was but a young lass with mischief in her eyes and a ball at her feet, her father’s relentless push for excellence often left her feeling exasperated and annoyed. Despite her protests and grumbles, Apurna begrudgingly obeyed her father’s every command, knowing that beneath his tough exterior lay a heart filled with nothing but love and a burning desire to see his daughter succeed. It was a relationship marked by equal parts frustration and admiration, as Apurna learned to navigate the delicate balance between rebellion and respect in her interactions with her father.

Two long years of lockdown went by, stretching on like a never-ending penalty shootout. And let me tell you, it felt even longer for poor Apurna, especially when she had her personal drill sergeant doubling as her father, making sure she kept up with her training regimen every single day. Yes, you heard it right – Apurna’s own flesh and blood, her dear old dad, took on the role of her personal physical trainer. Ah, the joys of family life, where even lockdown couldn’t stop the relentless pursuit of footballing dreams! And then, just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of light appeared on the horizon – a call from the national team department, beckoning Apurna to the trials for the SAFF U19 competition. With her heart pounding with excitement and nerves, Apurna set off for Goa, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home in pursuit of her dreams. The trials were grueling, the competition fierce, but Apurna refused to back down. Despite the doubts that lingered in her mind, she pushed herself to the limit, fueled by the unwavering support of her family and the dream of representing her country on the international stage.

Ah, the momentous occasion arrived when Apurna, with nerves and excitement coursing through her veins, took to the field for her first match against Bhutan. Not as a starter, mind you, but as a substitute – a role she embraced with all the enthusiasm of a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift. With her heart pounding and her eyes alight with determination, Apurna seized the opportunity to make her mark on the game, knowing that every moment on the field was a chance to prove her worth. As she returned from the SAFF U19 competition, where she valiantly served as a substitute, her spirit brimming with determination, fate had another surprise in store for her. It was during the SAFF U18 championship that Apurna truly came into her own, emerging as a key player in the Indian team’s quest for glory. With each match, her skill and tenacity shone brighter than ever, capturing the hearts of fans and teammates alike. And when the final whistle blew, signaling India’s victory over Bangladesh in the championship match held in Bhubaneshwar, Apurna found herself overcome with emotion. Returning to her village as a national champion was a moment she had never dared to dream of, yet here she was, basking in the adoration of her community. The reception was nothing short of magical, as villagers from far and wide gathered to honor their beloved champion. Apurna, her eyes shining with tears of joy, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

It was a reminder that in life, second chances are not just opportunities for redemption, but moments to shine even brighter than before. And for Apurna, this triumphant return home was just the first step on a journey that would take her from the dusty village grounds to the grand stadiums of the Indian Women’s League. But Apurna’s journey was far from over, as she continued to blaze a trail of success in the Indian Women’s League. From Indian Arrows to Kerala Blasters, each chapter of her story was marked by its own set of challenges and triumphs, but through it all, Apurna remained steadfast in her determination to succeed. However, just as she thought she had found her footing, fate threw another curveball her way. The teams she believed would be her platform for showcasing her skills and nurturing her development as a professional player were shutting down one by one. First, it was the disbandment of Indian Arrows, a team she had poured her heart and soul into. Then, she pinned her hopes on Kerala Blasters, who were venturing into women’s football for the first time. Alas, their dreams were short-lived as well, as Kerala Blasters decided to call it quits after just one season. Once again, Apurna found herself at a crossroads, searching for her next lucky break. It was then that Sethu FC stepped in, offering her a chance to reignite her passion for the game and continue her journey towards greatness. And with renewed determination, Apurna embraced this new opportunity, ready to write the next chapter of her footballing adventure with Sethu FC by her side.

And now, as Apurna takes to the field in the vibrant colors of Sethu FC, she knows that she has finally found her home. Surrounded by teammates who share her passion and a club that believes in her talent, Apurna’s journey is far from over – but with each step she takes, she moves closer to fulfilling her dreams and leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.