Jharkand's Hidden Gem: Lalita Boypai Emerges as Biggest Name of Subroto Cup 2024

It was a moment of pure elation when Lalita Boypai of Mother's International School, Ranchi, was announced as the best player of the U17 Girls group at the 2024 Subroto Cup Football Tournament.

The announcement, made over the public address system at Dr Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, prompted an impromptu celebration as Lalita raised her hands in jubilation.

For her stellar performance, the teenager was awarded prize money of Rs 40,000. "This is for my family," Lalita said, her voice filled with pride and determination.

Mother's International School (Ranchi) made a remarkable comeback to clinch the U17 trophy, defeating Bangladesh's Krira Shikkha Protisthan team with a convincing 4-1 victory. Lalita's performance on the field was a key factor in this triumph.

Hailing from the rural parts of Jharkhand, Lalita has already represented India twice in age-group competitions, including the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournaments. Her journey is a testament to how young athletes from Jharkhand are embracing football as a means to uplift themselves and their families from the hardships of rural life.

Lalita's story is one of extreme sacrifice and dedication. The second of five siblings, she hails from Rudrapur village in Gumla district, where her father works as a small-time farmer. "I've been away from home since class third," Lalita revealed. She was selected for a state government-run hostel in Ranchi to play football, a decision that marked the beginning of her journey toward a better future.

Her elder sister, Aarti, was a national-level archer but had to give up the sport due to the high cost of archery equipment. This financial constraint influenced Lalita's decision to pursue football instead. Watching the boys in her village play football, she was inspired to take up the sport. "That was how I started football," she recalled.

Living away from her family, Lalita has dedicated herself to honing her skills in Ranchi. "I hardly go back home to meet my parents as the practice schedule is quite busy," the class 10th student shared. "I've to work hard to become a better player."

Lalita knows that a strong performance in tournaments can not only build her reputation but also bring financial relief to her family. Last year, she represented Odisha club in the second division of the 2023 Indian Women's League (IWL). "I got some money from the Odisha club. It was big financial support," she said, adding that she handed the prize money to her parents. "Since my father toils hard to earn two square meals a day, extra financial support through prize money brings happiness and joy to all in the family."

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