Didn’t know what a passport was till my first India call-up: Sunita Munda
Hardly anyone was surprised when Sunita Munda was called for the National camp for the AFC U-14 regional championship in 2016.
Even before turning 14, Munda had proved to be a remarkable talent on the pitch, possessing all the necessary skills to blossom into a fine striker. Her coaches never doubted her ability.
However, the girl from Jonha village in Jharkhand had one ‘drawback’. As a prolific goalscorer, Sunita knew how to beat a defensive trap or catch the rival goalkeeper on the wrong foot, but had no idea about the importance of a passport. When the team management asked her to submit her passport Sunita looked at them blankly.
“To be honest, I did not know what a passport meant back then,” Sunita told the-aiff.com on Friday, January 27, 2023. “I went back home from the camp to apply and get my passport and flew to Tajikistan to play in the AFC U-14 Regional Championship.”
“I have learned new things while staying in different camps. Hailing from remote villages, many of us were unaware of some basic facilities needed to play football, like boots, quality footballs, regular physical exercises, and even proper food. Slowly we learned about these things after attending the camps and learned their importance,” she said.
Despite being oblivious to urban staples, Sunita was armed with an advantage few girls her age receive in the country — the full backing of her family to pursue her love for football.
Her father, who played the game in his youth, took her to the field when she was marking her nascent steps in the game. He had never made it to the professional level but wanted his daughter to fulfill his dreams.
“I learned the fundamentals from him. Now I want him to see me wearing the senior National team colours someday. That is something I have to do to fulfill my father’s dream,” said Sunita.
“Getting this far wasn’t easy for me, but I have a family who have supported me throughout,” she said. “It is what has enabled me to become a National team footballer.”
Sunita has proved to be a key player for the team ever since joining the national setup in 2016 scoring goals across various age group competitions. The 19-year-old forward also played a key role for the Indian Arrows in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) last year.
A vital force of the Young Tigresses team, she is currently preparing with them at the Home Games Sports Arena in Chennai for the forthcoming SAFF U-20 Championship, to be played in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from February 3–9, 2023.
It is evident, upon the observation that Sunita has an old head on young shoulders. When discussing her goals, she speaks with maturity and calm. “To score goals for the country is the best thing a striker can do and it always makes the player feel special. When I got to know that I won’t be a part of the U-17 Women’s World Cup squad, I felt disappointed but to find my friends from the state, Astam, and Nitu on the team, made me feel proud. And now they are my teammates,” Sunita says, smiling.
The U-20 Women’s and Senior Women’s National teams are training under Maymol Rocky and Thomas Dennerby, respectively, at Chennai and both coaches are keeping a close watch on the players and their training for the upcoming tournaments.
Sunita believes the opportunity to train under these two coaches has helped her immensely. “Thomas sir and Maymol Ma’am help us a lot every day. They have taught us some important things like the correct positioning of a player in different situations, the different attacking skills a striker should have etc. I am trying to keep my focus and train hard as winning SAFF U-20 in Dhaka next month is everyone’s prime target right now.”
Also Read: A tale of two footballers and their fight against gender bias
Also Read: Emotional to be back in the national camp after so long, says Bala Devi
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Mumbai City FC Complete Signing of Slovakian Attacker Jakub Vojtuš
Mumbai, 21 March, 2024: Mumbai City FC are delighted to welcome our new signing, Slovakian attacker Jakub Vojtuš, who joins the squad for the remainder of the season. The attacker…
Afghanistan vs India: Blue Tigers aim for a giant leap towards far-reaching FIFA WCQ Round 3 dream
ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: The India Senior Men’s Team will be on the verge of writing a new chapter in the post-independence era of Indian Football history, when they resume their FIFA…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
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…