KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 2021: The foundation for a better tomorrow is laid today. Aditya School of Sports (ASOS) has been training budding talents from all across India, to create the next generation of women in sports in the country. Three women footballers who are currently training in ASOS Barasat, the only accredited campus by Khelo India in Eastern India, have been selected for the Under 20 WNT (Women’s National Team) Camp at Jamshedpur and their rigorous training at the Camp has begun and will continue till 31st March 2022. The three players are- Shijagurumayum Monika Devi, Susmita Tanty and Naorem Priyangka Devi, all within the age of 18 years.
ASOS has been instrumental in recognizing their talents and giving them the opportunity and guidance to reach Under 20 WNT camp. A selection committee meeting was held at New Delhi after analyzing the performance of the players by AIFF Scouts at various Youth Women’s tournaments.
Susmita Tanty of class 11 from Sundargarh, Orissa has been playing football since 2014. Her older sister was very keen on training for football, but never got the chance. She has always inspired Susmita Tanty to take the game seriously and supported her journey from Sport Hostel Sundargarh to ASOS training campus.
Naorem Priyangka Devi (class 10) from Manipur is the youngest among the four children and has been enthusiastically playing football since 2011.
Shijagurumayum Monika Devi from Manipur is presently in the First Year of Home Science at Isesme, Bira Mangal College. She has 6 members in her family with 5 other siblings. Monika lost her father at a very young age and her family has high hopes for her future in football. She has been playing football since 2014.
ASOS has been providing a strong pillar of constant support and guidance to these skilled footballers. Speaking on the occasion, Anirban Aditya, Chairman of Aditya Group added, “It is a matter of immense pride and happiness to all of us at ASOS to see them getting closer to their dream. At ASOS, we believe in empowering and inspiring minds through carefully recognizing their inner potential. We want to see more participation of women from India in sports. We are very serious about the development of sports in India and try to provide best of training and exposure to our students in both national and international scenario.”
The trio is undergoing active training at the camp in Jamshedpur, which will provide them the opportunity to compete to get into the final under 20 India women team, which will finally play in Under 20 Women’s World Cup 2022. Susmita Tanty shared her experience at ASOS and added, “ASOS has helped me to learn everyday and implement skills and tactics that are needed to reach the national level. I am looking forward to this new phase at the Under 20 WNT camp and hope I can make my mentors and country proud someday.” S. Monika Devi added, “It feels so great to be able to get training under professionals from national level. I hope to fulfill the dreams of my family and my constantly inspiring trainers at ASOS.” Naorem Priyangka Devi also added, “I would like to thank my trainers at ASOS to give me the opportunity to sharpen my talent and I hope to get into the Under 20 India Women Team through my present training at camp.”
ASOS has been diligently working towards the cause of developing and redirecting the focus towards Sports in Bengal for the past few years. With only 30% of women in India actively engaging in sports, ASOS aims to provide the foundation of any sport, beginning right at the grass root level with the primary goal being an increased interest or response in participation of children from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their gender. ASOS has always stressed on the need for EduSports, where importance is given to overall development and not just limiting the focus on academics.