Assam Under-16 Girls Make History by Winning National Football Championship
Historic Victory for Assam's Under-16 Girls
The championship-winning squad brought together players from Karbi Anglong, Bodoland and districts of Upper Assam, reflecting the spread of footballing talent across the State.
Guwahati, Oct 9: Horen Engti, the head coach, emphasized the importance of self-belief and recognizing potential among the players. Just two days after the Assam Under-16 girls made history by clinching the Dr Talimeren Ao Junior Girls’ National Football Championship (NFC) Tier 2 for the first time, he noted that the team had always possessed the necessary talent and determination. However, what they needed was the confidence to convert that potential into tangible results.
In the final held at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, Assam triumphed over the Sports Authority of India (SAI) with a score of 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless match in regulation time on October 6.
“This was our first win in this tournament, and I told the girls that achieving this would make them part of history. Their clubs, districts, and the Assam Football Association would take pride in them. It’s wonderful to see the girls’ hard work pay off on the field,” Engti shared from Kolkata while returning with the team.
Assam's journey to the title was impressive, starting with a staggering 22-0 victory against Himachal Pradesh, followed by wins over Mizoram (2-1) and Madhya Pradesh (4-0). In the semifinals, they narrowly defeated Goa in a penalty shootout, setting the stage for the final against SAI.
Engti highlighted the significance of this victory, especially for players from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as it could pave the way for new opportunities in football.
“Many of the girls come from underprivileged backgrounds. Their success can lead to greater prospects in the future,” he remarked.
To motivate his players, Engti incorporated videos of global football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi into their training. The team’s motto, “Joi Aai Asom,” fostered a strong sense of unity and purpose.
“This has been part of our journey. Our slogan is ‘Joi Aai Asom’, and we aim to maintain this momentum. If our Under-16 girls can achieve this, why can’t other teams in Assam?” Engti, hailing from Diphu, expressed.
The championship-winning team showcased talent from Karbi Anglong, Bodoland, and Upper Assam, illustrating the widespread footballing talent in the region. Engti mentioned that the selection process began with an inter-district tournament in September, leading to the shortlisting of 20 players for the national competition.
“Being involved in the scouting process was rewarding. There is no shortage of talent,” he added.
This victory has also secured Assam's promotion to Tier 1 for the next season, allowing the team to compete at a higher level. Maanvi Mech stood out as the tournament's top scorer, netting nine goals.
Engti acknowledged the contributions of assistant coach Bubul Chandra Boro, physiotherapist Peenaz Ahmed, and team manager Chan Jalil in the successful campaign.
While this historic title is a significant achievement for Assam's junior girls' football, Engti believes that ongoing progress will depend on providing players with more competitive opportunities.
For Engti, the immediate goal is to ensure that this achievement serves as a foundation for future success rather than a one-time event. With their confidence boosted and promotion secured, he hopes the girls will continue to grow through regular competitive matches and inspire other teams across Assam to reach for greater heights.