Indian Women's Football Team's World Cup Dream Deferred, But Hope Remains Strong
The Indian women's football team faced a heartbreaking setback in their quest to qualify for the prestigious FIFA World Cup earlier this month. Competing in the Asian Cup held in Australia, the team needed to advance beyond the group stage to secure a spot in the global tournament. Unfortunately, they were eliminated after losing all three of their group-stage matches, conceding a total of 17 goals in the process.
Former Star Lako Phuti Bhutia Calls for Resilience and Hard Work
Despite this disappointing outcome, former India women's football player Lako Phuti Bhutia believes the experience should serve as a catalyst for future improvement. "It was a good chance to qualify for the World Cup, but the players shouldn't lose hope," Bhutia stated. "They should practise harder, and the team will certainly make it to the big stage one day."
Bhutia, who is currently participating in the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) representing Sikkim, emphasized that the current generation of players has advantages she could only dream of during her playing days. "Earlier, women's teams didn't get much importance, be it India or at the state level. Things, however, have changed for the better and the players are getting lots of focus and practice facilities, so I have the belief that we will qualify for the World Cup one day," she explained.
Bhutia's Illustrious Career and Transition to Coaching
Lako Phuti Bhutia's own football journey is marked by significant achievements. As a former centre-back, she played a pivotal role in helping India win the SAFF Women's Championship in 2014 and was also part of the team that clinched the title again in 2019. Her international career, however, was cut short due to a right knee injury sustained in 2019.
Transitioning from player to mentor, Bhutia has found fulfillment in coaching the next generation. "I am training nearly 70 students at the State Sports Academy for Girls in Soreng, West Sikkim, and look after them, too," she shared. Her football journey began at the Mangalbaria Girls Football Academy under Palden Bhutia, inspired by her sister Nima Lhamu Bhutia, also a former India player.
Legacy and Inspiration for Future Players
Reflecting on her past, Bhutia expressed pride in having played alongside legends like Bembem Devi, Bala Devi, and Ashalata Devi. Her legacy continues to inspire current players, such as Gyurme Dolma Tamang, who has competed in the Indian Women's League (IWL). "It's a huge honour to play with Lako Phuti. She has lots of experience and knows how to guide us. She is also a huge motivation for us," Tamang remarked.
Bhutia's career also included a stint abroad, as she was among the early Indian women footballers to play overseas, signing for Maldivian top-division side New Radiant Sports Club in 2014. Now, with her playing days behind her, she hopes to see many more players from Sikkim follow in her footsteps and represent India on the international stage.
The path to World Cup qualification may be challenging, but with increased support, better facilities, and the guidance of veterans like Lako Phuti Bhutia, the future of Indian women's football holds promise for achieving that dream.
