The success of the Indian Women’s Team is high on the Federation’s list of priorities, and as per the objectives in Vision 2047, we have begun the process of maximising the International windows in order for our players to play more competitive matches. The-aiff.com is present at the Senior and U-20 Women’s National camps in Chennai to deliver a series of stories about the best women footballers from our land.

Sruti Chakraborty
AIFF Media Team 

CHENNAI: After a two-year injury layoff, Bengal midfielder Sangita Basfore is back in the National camp again.

Having previously established herself as one of the Blue Tigresses' important players, Sangita believes that making a comeback was what drove her the most during the difficult last couple of years. Her ACL injury had kept her out of action since 2021. The exposure trip to Sweden was the last time she featured for the Indian team.

Sangita is considered the backbone of the National team’s midfield. As the holding midfielder, she moves around like a general in the middle of the park and is instrumental in not only breaking up opposition attacks but also orchestrating creative moves from the deep. Her high work rate and lateral movements in midfield allow the attacking players to move ahead.

Sangita has been with the National team in different age groups since 2014 and has played in and won many tournaments so far, including two SAFF Women's Championships and South Asian Games gold medals each. Her father's death last year was one of the worst moments of her life. Recovering from both physical and emotional setbacks is never easy, but the girl from Kalyani is now back with bigger dreams and high hopes for the future.

Sangita spoke candidly with www.the-aiff.com about her injury, personal losses, return to the team, and much more.

Excerpts: 

Q. How are you feeling after coming back from such a long-term injury?

Sangita: Two years is indeed a long time for me. The injury and then losing my father last year was a tough phase in my life. But now that I am back, it’s a huge thing for me. I was waiting to be here and wear the National colours once again.

Q: How are you managing things all over again?

Sangita: After everything, I am just trying to be myself and play the way I did. It’s not at all easy to make a comeback after an injury. But it's all the hard work that counts in the end. I know my capabilities. After the injury, I was not in touch with many of my friends here, and it took time to feel comfortable again. But despite all this, I try to put my emotions aside and give my best during the training sessions. 

Q: How did the rehab go for you?

Sangita: The pain was different on different days. At times, it was a huge physical and mental challenge for me. After my father’s death, I had to take care of my mother and look after the family as well. The rehab was painful for me in those days, but now that I have the India logo on my chest, I feel relieved.

Q: How is the training going so far?

Sangita: So far, it has been good. We are thankful that we have the opportunity to be trained by two top coaches at the same time. Thomas Dennerby and Maymol Rocky are the pillars of both teams, and we are getting to learn new skills and techniques. It is super fun. They motivate each and every player on the team, no matter whether they are seniors or juniors. They know perfectly well what each and every girl here is capable of. Every session is a new one, and to be honest, I feel at my best now. 

Q: What are your personal targets now?

Sangita: Right now, my only target is to help the National team reach the second round of the Olympic qualifiers. It’s a new season for us, and we want to start afresh. It is time to forget the past and show that we can also do wonders. If we do well, our junior players will also get motivated and play good football in the upcoming tournaments. It’s like setting an example for them.