Meet Bhabani Munda, Tribal Woman Who Scored a Goal Against Patriarchy and Pursued Her Dream to Play Football

Bhabani Munda is a tribal Woman from Bengal who not also paved way for herself in the field of football but scored a future for other women in her community too.

One powerful kick and Bhabani Munda scored a goal against all the societal regressive norms and stereotypes. This 32-year-old woman from Kalchini in Jalpaiguri is the epitome of inspiration to keep the fortitude to achieve your dreams and leave no stone unturned. Bhabani broke the glass ceiling, and paved the way not only for herself but also for other women in her tribe. The recipient of Bangla Ratna Award, Bhabani was a football player and is currently the coach of Doars XI.

Who is Bhabani Munda, Woman Football Player From Jalpaiguri?

A childhood dream, Munda’s fire of football burns with the fuel of passion. She fell in love with football at the tender age of seven and then never stopped dreaming. But it was never easy for her. While her brother was allowed everything, she was shackled in the social chains.

She was prohibited from wearing shorts or from playing football. Instead, she was warned that she would be left with no marriage prospects if she had a broken leg. During that time, women were relegated to be faithful to their home duties, duties of being a wife, mother.

Despite the obstacles, Munda had the courage to wade through the patriarchal gaze that looked at her contemptuously when she walked and played the game wearing shorts. Bhabani would often practise barefoot and when the day ended, she would massge hers legs with oil to reduce the swelling. But no patriarchle chain or gaze could stop her. She broke all the barriers, played with sheer talent and later formed the Dooars X!

When not striking a goal, Bhabani worked at a tea stall. She would wake up at 3 am, complete all her household chores and practises regularly. But today, after facing all the hardships and challenges, she got her due.

Bhabani Munda Aim For Women Empowerment

Bhabani is now a community leader and works for the oppressed in her community. Despite a global fame, she lives with her people to encourage every other girl whol see herself wearing shorts and acing that goal. In a conversatuion with The Better India, she said, ““more women on the field who’d make football their own and who would eventually be able to call the shots in their lives”. She formed her own team consisting of all tribal girls, called Doars XI, who later played in major tournaments and even brought home trophies.”

Her vision is clear – empowering women through football, fostering health and fitness, and enabling them to take control of their lives. Her message to Indian women resonates with empowerment — “Go after your dreams and put power into your kick to turn them into reality.”