In July 2024, two district-level girls’ football tournaments were held in Jharkhand, organized by Naya Sawera Vikas Kendra (NSVK) and funded by Lotus Outreach. These tournaments, held in
Bahoranpur (Hazaribagh District) and Palkot (Gumla District), marked a significant milestone in empowering tribal girls through sports, bringing together 25 teams and 375 participants. The
events have not only fostered athletic talent but also transformed communities, instilling a sense of pride, unity, and professionalism.
Bahoranpur, Hazaribagh: A Hub of Progress
The tournament at Bahoranpur was more than just a sports event; it was a catalyst for social change. With 11 teams and 165 players participating, the event showcased the incredible transformation in the local communities. Teams from different villages, such as Gurhet, Bahoranpur, Chandwar, Rewar, Pauta, Chaurhetta, Dhawaiya, Pundari, and Marhetta, participated with enthusiasm. The competition was fierce, with the Chandwar A team emerging as the Runner Up and receiving a cash prize of Rs 3000. The Chaurhetta team clinched the Winner’s title, earning a cash prize of Rs 5500, while Dhawaiya received a Rs 1500 consolation prize.
The professional kits as well as the improvements to the Bahoranpur football ground, including the installation of professional goalposts and nets funded by Lotus Outreach, have elevated the playing experience. The newly built cemented benches, dress-changing rooms, and basic amenities symbolize the community’s commitment to supporting girls’ sports. The educational hub in Bahoranpur now doubles as a changing and preparation room, adding another level of professionalism and making the girls feel like part of a real club. It has also become a hub for strategic planning, where girls come together to organize events, from Independence Day celebrations to football matches.
Palkot, Gumla: A Testament to Determination
Fourteen teams from various villages participated in a three-day football tournament held in Palkot, Gumla, Jharkhand, with a total of 210 girls taking part. The teams hailed from villages like Zena, Devgaon, Kaant Toli, Palkot, Rampur, Kastoorba School, Gumla Sadar, Kaamdara, Palkot English Medium School, Palkot Bhairav Toli, and Gumla Chappar Toli. The Rampur team, traveling 45 kilometers to the site, won the tournament and received a cash prize of Rs 5500. The runner-up, Chappar Toli, received Rs 3000, while the second runner-up, Bhairav Toli, received Rs 1000.
Dignitaries including Glenn Sir from Lotus Outreach and local leaders attended the prize distribution ceremony. The presence of professional referees and the provision of proper kits by Lotus Outreach added to the tournament’s professional atmosphere, allowing the girls to learn and play at a higher level. The event was both a physical and mental challenge for the girls, who expressed a strong desire for more frequent and larger-scale sports opportunities.
