Sheer apathy: Footballers from Odisha's soccer hub Aul deprived of watching U-17 Women's WC

In a glaring example of apathy, the women football players of Kendrapara have been reportedly deprived of watching a single match of U-17 Women's World Cup being held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as they were allegedly not provided with match passes. 

Aul, a small town in Kendrapara district, is popular as the hub of women’s football in Odisha. The enthusiasm of these young girls from this small village reflects in the way they have taken their level of the game to.

But unfortunately, these budding footballers were not given pass for the international event.

These footballers alleged that they were neither given an entry pass nor a ticket provided to them by the administration denying them a stage to learn. Neither the Odisha Sports department nor the district administration has given any attention to their complaints. 

As per the coach and players, watching the matches of different players could have helped them to hone their skills. 

“We have not received any ticket for the ongoing U-17 world cup matches. We could have learned the skills from other players which will help us to develop our skills. We are extremely disappointed for such an act,” said Sarita Mallick, a football player.

“The athletes were extremely excited and hopeful to watch the world cup matches. They had requested to make ticket arrangements and I had convinced them to do so. However, after waiting till the last moment, we didn’t receive any intimation, and no provisions for tickets or passes were made. The athletes also went to get tickets but failed to obtain them. They are extremely disappointed,” said Sushant Mallick.

On the other hand, the Secretary of the Aul Athletic Association said, “Since 20 years, Aul has been producing football players. The players have led the state team multiple times and they have registered glorious success. Even, they have shined at the national level.”

Further, he went on to add, “However, now the players are being neglected. Neither the players nor the association has been invited to the world cup.”