Assam Girls Make History by Winning Subroto Cup for First Time

In a remarkable achievement for women’s football in Assam, the girls of Betkuchi High School clinched the 64th Subroto Cup title on August 30, 2023. They triumphed over West Bengal’s Nandajhar Adibasi Tapashili High School with a decisive score of 3–1 in the final, held in New Delhi. This victory marks the first time Assam has won in the girls’ category of the prestigious tournament, organized by the Indian Air Force.

The team, mentored by Bidhan Das, demonstrated impressive skill and determination throughout the competition. Das, who maintained a calm demeanor on the sidelines, emphasized the significance of this win for Assam. “This means a lot to Assam. It shows our girls have a great future. But I’m not satisfied yet. I’m hungrier for more success,” he stated in an interview with The Assam Tribune.

Path to Victory

The journey to the championship was historic for the Betkuchi High School girls. Previously, a state team had reached the finals in 2014 but fell short. This year, the Betkuchi team showcased a powerful combination of attacking prowess and defensive strength, scoring an impressive 31 goals across six matches. Their semi-final performance was particularly notable, as they defeated Kerala with a staggering 6–0 scoreline, and they also secured a 6–1 victory against Goa in the quarter-finals.

In the group stage, the team overwhelmed their opponents, achieving an astounding 11–0 win against Lakshadweep and a 6–0 victory over Sri Lanka, alongside a 2–2 draw against Chhattisgarh. “We worked out our strengths, studied our opponents, and attacked their weak points,” explained Das, who holds an AFC B coaching license. “Beating them back-to-back proves our girls can stand tall against the best.”

Highlighting Individual Talents

Among the standout players of the tournament was Mari Mech, who scored nine goals in the last four matches, including two hat-tricks, earning her the title of Player of the Tournament. Her teammate, Furchang Lama, was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. Das praised Lama for her bravery, noting, “Her bravery is her biggest strength. Techniques can be polished later, but that kind of courage makes a great goalkeeper.”

Milina Brahma also made significant contributions to the team, netting a hat-trick that bolstered Assam’s scoring capabilities. Together, these players formed the backbone of a squad that balanced heart with strategic intelligence.

The success of this championship extends beyond mere accolades. Das highlighted the win as a pivotal moment for women’s football in Assam, stating, “This is a huge boost, not just for these girls but for football in Assam. It’s a motivation for young players, especially girls who dream of making it big.”

The Assam State Football Academy, established in 2023, has experienced rapid growth. In just one year, the team progressed from the quarter-finals to becoming champions. Das credited coach Pallabita Borah, a former member of India’s age-group teams, for her crucial behind-the-scenes work. He also acknowledged Prodip Timung, former director of the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, for his support.

As the girls from Betkuchi High School lifted the Subroto Cup, they symbolized more than just a sporting victory. Their achievement represents hope and inspiration for a state eager to gain recognition in football. This triumph is a significant milestone, suggesting that the future of women’s football in Assam is bright, with many more successes likely to follow.