MANAS MOHANTY, OP
Iodine: Determination and perseverance have helped Nishi Bodra, 24, a domestic helper from Azad Basti in Joda block of Kendujhar district, overcome hardship and emerge as an inspiration to hundreds of girls by fulfilling her long-cherished dream of becoming a football coach.
Nishi, with support from Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), has transformed herself from a housemaid into an All India Football Federation (AIFF)-certified football coach.
Nishi lost her father at a young age and grew up at a relative’s house.
To support her family, she worked in other people’s homes, washing utensils and doing household chores. Despite financial stress, she continued her education on the advice of a teacher who encouraged her not to give up her studies. Her football journey began in 2013 when she was in Class VII.
She started playing the game with her school friends, where she met coach Badal Mohanta.
Recognising her talent and potential, Mohanta encouraged her to pursue football and provided her with the necessary sports equipment.
With his guidance and support from the foundation, Nishi gradually developed her skills and moved closer to her dream.
Her journey from domestic help to becoming an AIFF-certified coach is now inspiring hundreds of young girls to pursue their ambitions despite social and economic challenges.
Former Santosh Trophy player and AIFF C-licensed coach Mohanta, in association with TSF, launched a football training centre for girls in 2014.
Starting with just 25 girls, the centre now trains more than 140 girls from Kendujhar and Sundargada districts.
Nishi’s journey in football was far from easy. In a district-level tournament in Bargada, her team suffered a humiliating 12-0 defeat.
However, she learned from the setback and went on to demonstrate her skills in several district-level competitions, including the 2022 SDC Cup.
Recalling her early struggles, Nishi said she refused to give up after the crushing defeat in her first match.
The encouragement and support of her coach gave her the confidence to move forward.
Recognising her leadership qualities, Mohanta encouraged her to take up coaching as a profession.
Nishi eventually gave up domestic work to pursue football full-time.
With direct support from TSF, she earned the AIFF E License and subsequently the D License.
She now coaches children younger than 10 in Joda area, conducting football training sessions five days a week.
Chinmay Bora, assistant manager (sports) at TSF, said Nishi’s achievement demonstrated that girls could shape their own futures if given the right opportunities and guidance.