Meet Sangita Basfore — the engine driving the Indian women’s team
NEW DELHI, 25th March, 2019 : West Bengal is renowned for its passion towards the ‘beautiful game,’ and it is this very affection that inspired Indian Senior Women’s National Team current midfield general Sangita Basfore.
“Everyone in my family just loves football,” said Sangita in an exclusive chat with www.the-aiff.com. “I started playing when I was 10. My maama (maternal uncle) Vijay Basfore has played for Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting. I was inspired seeing him on the field. He became my first coach, and shaped me as a player,” Sangita, who played a crucial part in her team’s recent SAFF Championship triumph in Nepal stated.
LIKE ASSISTING MORE THAN SCORING
“I enjoy being the backbone of the team,” she stated. “In the midfield, my job is to link the defence and attack. I relish playing through-balls to my teammates while going forward and love it when I give an assist – even more than scoring myself!”
Coach Maymol feels that she has all the attributes to be a top-class defensive midfielder. “Her anticipation and aggression are excellent, and what stands out is her work rate as she always covers the maximum distance in almost every game. She fully understands her role on the pitch and is still very young, which makes her a great future prospect,” she opined.
CONSTANT SUPPORT FROM FAMILY
The 21-year old who was born in Kalyani also talked about the immense support she got from people around her. “At school my teachers would specially arrange extra classes for me on weekends. They made sure that I always got to balance my education with football,” she informed.
“My parents are my biggest fans. They have been extremely supportive. They follow all my games, and are aware about the players in the Indian team,” she stated.
RISING THROUGH THE RANKS
Sangita began her footballing journey with Taltala Dipti Sangha, and their women’s football team in the Kolkata League. After that she represented West Bengal at the National level, and was subsequently called up to the India U-19 side. Three years later, she was named in the senior team for their 2016 Olympic Qualifying campaign, under coach Sajid Dar at the age of just 19.
Under Maymol Rocky, she was entrusted more responsibility into a more central role. “I was the assistant coach when Sangita first got a call-up. But she was always on the bench. But she impressed with her aggression, and ability to learn quickly. She is a real fighter on the pitch and has grown tremendously,” Maymol explained.
Since then, Sangita has even gone to captain India, getting the honour of wearing the armband in India’s match against Uzbekistan in the Turkish Women’s Cup.
by Aiff media
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…