In the final of the 2024 SAFF Under-19 Women's Football Championship, Bangladesh were on the brink of defeat against India.
But in the dying moments of the match, a stunning goal by Mosammat Sagarika not only levelled the score but also brought the name of a remote village into the national spotlight. The people of Rangatungi, a small village in Ranisankail upazila of Thakurgaon district, still recall that goal with immense pride.
Today, Sagarika, alongside fellow villagers Swapna Rani and Pohati Kisku, proudly wear the national jersey as they represent Bangladesh in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers in Myanmar, completely dominating Turkmenistan in a 7-0 win on Saturday.
From near defeat to shared glory
At the 2024 SAFF U-19 Women's final, Bangladesh seemed destined to lose. With India leading and victory nearly assured, Sagarika's sudden strike changed everything. Her goal secured a draw for Bangladesh, pushing the contest to a tense penalty shootout where every one of the 22 players scored. Ultimately, India and Bangladesh were declared joint champions.
Sagarika has since become more than just a daughter of Rangatungi; she is a symbol of national pride. Alongside her, Swapna Rani and Pohati Kisku, also from the same village, have made their way to the national team. The trio now play in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers – a historic first for Bangladesh as the team aims to reach the tournament's main stage.
A tale of perseverance from Rangatungi
These three footballers' journeys share a common thread— overcoming numerous obstacles to reach the highest level. They all grew up in Rangatungi, a modest village in Ranisankail upazila, where a humble but remarkable football academy has been quietly nurturing talent: the Rangatungi United Football Academy. Its founder and visionary is a local college teacher, Tajul Islam.
Rangatungi was once a place where girls playing football was unimaginable. But today, it stands as one of the nation's key hubs for nurturing female footballers.
Back in 2014, some girls were spotted playing football alongside boys in the village field. Teacher Tajul Islam recognised their potential and immediately began plans to form a girls' football team. The beginning was far from easy.
Tajul recalls the resistance they faced: "People would say, 'Girls can't play wearing shorts; they'll never get married!'"
Undeterred, Tajul, supported by Suga Murmu, Zainul Abedin, and Setaur Rahman, persuaded hesitant parents to let their daughters play. Within days, 15 girls had joined, and the Rangatungi United Football Academy was born – a journey that continues to this day.
No jerseys, no boots, but an unwavering dream
In the early days, the girls trained barefoot, wearing old clothes. Tajul Islam personally funded the academy's expenses, levelling the ground and making goalposts from wood. Slowly, the villagers began to support the cause.
Today, 38 girls of various ages regularly train at the academy. Eighteen have gone on to represent Bangladesh in national or age-group teams, and 22 have played for different clubs in the national women's league.
Early success and growing recognition
By 2016, the academy's girls formed the core of the Thakurgaon district U-14 team, which performed remarkably in the JFA tournaments. In 2017, they stormed through the group stage, thrashing Lalmonirhat 16-0 and Dinajpur 8-0, reaching the final. Although they lost to the formidable Mymensingh team, their rise was undeniable.
The academy-backed team finished as runners-up again in 2018 and 2019, cementing Rangatungi's reputation as a cradle of female football talent.
Where are they now?
The academy's three star players — Swapna Rani, Mosammat Sagarika, and Pohati Kisku—continue to shine. Swapna serves as vice-captain of the national women's team. Sagarika is a key player, famed for her match-winning goal against India in the SAFF U-19 final. Pohati recently scored a crucial goal in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, securing victory.
Other academy players like Sohagi Kisku, Reshmi Begum, Ananya Murmu, and Sumi Akter have also earned places in national and age-group squads. Meanwhile, Kakoli Akter and Ishrat Jahan await specialised training in Portugal to further hone their skills.
These graduates represent the bright future of women's football in Bangladesh.
From reticence to 'immense pride'
Sagarika's father, Liton Ali, recalls: "There was a time I wouldn't allow my daughter to go to the field. Now people come to our home to take photos and interview her. I am immensely proud."
Swapna's father, Niren Roy, shares: "Those who once said girls shouldn't play football now ask, "Are you Swapna's father?" It fills my heart with pride."
Tajul Islam, the academy's director, stresses: "Women's football is progressing rapidly. To sustain this success, we must support academies in remote areas. With even a little help, future stars will emerge from here."
A dream on the field
When Meghla, Tupur, Jaba, or Sumi run across the Rangatungi field chasing a football, their eyes sparkle with dreams.
"We want to play for the country, just like Sagarika Apa," they say.
Once, girls playing football was frowned upon in their villages. Now, football matches are festive occasions, with locals gathering to watch, sharing homemade treats and tea, swelling with pride as these girls no longer represent just their families but the entire nation.
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