Agartala: In the quiet mornings at the tea gardens of North Tripura, where life has long been shaped by struggle and uncertainty, a new story is emerging, especially among girls — a story of reshaping future with football, a story of ambition, courage and transformation, .
A group of young girls, daughters of tea garden workers, are challenging traditional limitations through football. With a ball at their feet, they are breaking barriers, building confidence, and creating a new identity beyond the hardships that surrounded them in childhood.
These girls come from families facing poverty, limited opportunities and social challenges. Yet, their passion for football has opened a new path — one where circumstances no longer restrict dreams.
Ordinary Names, Extraordinary Journeys
Prabasini, Mousumi, Jhuma, Srishti, Sumitra, Sajani, Kunti, Bani, Bina, Amina, Kavita and many others may sound like ordinary names. But each name represents a journey of determination.
These young footballers from Tripura’s tea gardens are now competing at the state level and dreaming of bigger achievements. Their success is slowly changing the perception of what girls from tea garden communities can achieve.
For generations, many tea garden families have struggled with financial difficulties, malnutrition, school dropouts and early marriages. For several girls, the future often appeared limited to repeating the same cycle. Football has introduced a different possibility.
Prabasini Orang’s Dream Sparks a Football Revolution
The transformation began with the journey of Prabasini Orang, who started playing football at the school level in 2012.
Although she missed the chance to represent Tripura in a national school-level competition, her passion for the sport continued. Her dream was carried forward by her younger sister Mousumi Orang.
When Mousumi represented Tripura in a national age-group competition, her achievement inspired countless young girls across tea gardens. A single opportunity became the beginning of a wider movement.
At present, the same fields where girls once rarely participated in sports are witnessing a new generation of footballers chasing their dreams.
Phuljano Athletic Club: More Than a Football Academy
At the centre of this movement is Phuljano Athletic Club, which has grown into a symbol of hope for tea garden communities.
The club is now training more than 150 girls regularly. Beyond football practice, it has become a support system where young players receive encouragement, guidance and opportunities to develop their skills.
The journey has required years of dedication from coaches, organisers and supporters. They have arranged essential support including jerseys, football boots, food and travel facilities to help these players continue their sporting journey.
Support System Strengthens Young Footballers
A significant contribution has come from the Baikuntha Nath Tarkabhushan Memorial Trust, supported by Pranab Roy and Jaydeep Roy.
The initiative is linked to the memory of Baikuntha Nath Tarkabhushan, a respected scholar who served Tripura as a royal scholar from 1865 until his death in 1928.
The trust has supported the young athletes with sports equipment and training assistance. It has also helped many players obtain important documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and bank accounts, preparing them for future opportunities.
Culture and Community Behind the Movement
The roots of Phuljano Athletic Club are connected with the cultural traditions of tea garden communities.
During festivals like Hamder Parab at Rangrung Tea Garden in Kailashahar, different communities come together through traditional songs and dances. From this cultural environment, a sporting movement has emerged that is now changing the lives of young girls.
Achievements on the Football Ground
The girls of Phuljano Club have already achieved notable success.
- The Under-13 team became runners-up twice in the Asmita League.
- The Under-15 team secured third place twice.
- In 2025, seven players from the club represented the North East team in a friendly match in Hyderabad.
- Mousumi Orang later earned recognition through her selection in Khelo India.
These achievements have given the players confidence that their dreams can go beyond their local surroundings.
Challenges Still Remain
Despite their progress, the young footballers continue to face several challenges.
Financial limitations, lack of advanced infrastructure and the need for better coaching facilities remain major hurdles. The players have talent and determination, but stronger support is needed to help them reach higher levels of competition.
Tripura Football Association has also extended support within its available resources. TFA secretary Amit Chowdhury said that the association assists clubs participating in tournaments according to its capacity.
A Dream Bigger Than Football
Jaydeep Roy of the Baikuntha Nath Tarkabhushan Memorial Trust believes that this journey is only the beginning.
“Along with girls’ football, boys are also playing here. Around 150 girls are practising regularly. We are also focusing on athletics. If more people come forward, our efforts will gain more strength,” he said.
For these young players, football has become more than a sport. It represents confidence, opportunity and a chance to create a different future.
Inspired by football legends like Messi, Kylian, Ronaldo and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri, these girls follow matches on television and YouTube with dreams in their eyes.
They may not know whether football will become their career, but they know they want to play, compete and continue dreaming.
From Tripura’s tea gardens to football grounds, Mousumi, Jhuma, Sajani, Kunti, Bani, Bina, Sumitra, Srishti, Amina, Lalpriyangsangi, Kavita, Reshma and many unnamed young girls are writing a new chapter — one touch of the football at a time.