Jharkhand: Sudha Ankita endured hardships since her childhood. Growing up she witnessed her mother becoming a victim of domestic violence, and the family spent many nights of hunger. Amidst all the difficulties, Sudha nurtured a dream of becoming a successful footballer. Crossing all the hurdles and with undying will to achieve her dreams, Sudha eventually reached the FIFA World Cup.

Who is Sudha Ankita Tirkey?

Sudha Ankita was born on 8 October 2005 in Jharkhand. Her family lives in Chhatarpur village of Kartik Panchayat in Chainpur block. At the age of 5, Sudha along with her mother, Lalita, and younger sister, was forced out of her father’s house. She completed her studies from St Patrick’s Inter College in Gumla. Her mother raised the two daughters by working as a sweeper in a local school. 

Sudha’s football journey

Sudha Ankita developed a passion for football at a young age. She actively participated in school football competitions. Her dedication led her to selection for the India Cup during the Junior National Football Championship in Kolhapur, Maharashtra in 2019. The FIFA Under-17 World Cup was postponed due to the pandemic, however, Sudha remained determined to continue her practice. 

Representing India in World Cup

India Training Camp was introduced by the Indian Football Federation in the year 2022 to select the players for the Under-17 World Cup. Out of 33 people, 21 players were selected for the Indian Women’s Under-17 team on 4 October 2022. Sudha Ankita was one of the selected players, and she was overwhelmed when she saw her name in the list. This opportunity allowed her to transform her past hardships into moments of joy. 

From struggles to accomplished dreams

Sudha shares that her mother played a significant role in her success. During the pandemic, the financial circumstances were so dire that the family went to sleep even without a single day’s meal. Her mother’s income barely covered basic survival. Debts started building up, and purchasing basic survival items became a massive task. However, Sudha continued her practice diligently thinking that her skills would someday ease her mother’s burden. 

The Indian team could not win the FIFA World Cup, but Sudha’s unwavering focus remains on the goal. She even managed to pay off her mother’s debt with the money she earned from playing football. She continues her practice and is determined to bring the trophy home. Prior to the World Cup, she had represented India in international football competition in Turkey.