Sunita Sarkar: The Girl With a Golden Foot
Editor’s Note (Archival Restoration — August 2026):
This profile was originally published by The Optimist News on March 22, 2021. As part of our ongoing archival preservation project, this story has been restored to highlight inspiring athletes from the North-East and West Bengal. Content has been edited for modern readability.
Sunita Sarkar, the formidable captain of the East Bengal Women’s Football team, is a testament to perseverance. Hailing from Sarala, a quiet village in the Kushmandi block of West Bengal’s Dakshin Dinajpur district, Sunita’s journey from rural school grounds to national-level football is an inspiring tale of grit.
Athlete Profile: Sunita Sarkar
| Attribute | Details |
| Current Role | Captain, East Bengal Women’s Football Team |
| Hometown | Sarala, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal |
| Career Start | 2011 (School Football Team) |
| National Debut | 2012 (National Meet, Odisha) |
| National Team Tenure | Selected for Indian U-14 Women’s National Team (2014) |
| Education | Physical Education, Charuchandra College, Kolkata |
Early Journey & The National Stage
Sunita’s formal journey with football began in 2011 when she was selected for her school team at Sarala Bhupendra Nath Sarkar High School. Her talent was quickly recognized, and by 2012, she was competing at the national level.
In 2014, a major milestone occurred when she was selected for the Indian Under-14 Women’s National Team. Her training eventually took her to Kochi, Kerala, to prepare for the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional Championship in Sri Lanka. Representing India, she competed against Bhutan, Nepal, Iran, Tajikistan, and Sri Lanka, where the Indian squad secured a proud second-place finish.
“When I play wearing the jersey of the Indian team, it is a different feeling altogether,” Sunita shares. “I feel motivated to prove myself on the field and contribute to the pride of my nation.”
Leadership at East Bengal FC
Under Sunita’s leadership, East Bengal FC made significant waves during the Calcutta Women’s Football League (Kanyashree Cup) in 2020. The team showcased immense dominance, including an 18-0 victory against Biddyut Sporting and 20 goals against Bhangore SWF.
“Our coach and teammates supported us through every match, which helped us reach the finals,” Sunita notes. Their performance in the league secured the team’s qualification for the Indian Women’s League in Odisha.
Overcoming the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns brought sporting events to a standstill in 2020. For Sunita, this meant a sudden halt to on-field practice and the postponement of the Kanyashree tournament. Despite the hurdles, Sunita remained focused, and by late 2020, her training routines began to return to normal.
Empowering the Next Generation
Sunita is deeply committed to breaking stereotypes. “Stereotypes are changing, and people have come to terms with the fact that women should be on an equal footing with men,” she explains. She encourages young girls to practice hard, noting that sports today offer legitimate, diverse career opportunities.
Beyond football, Sunita has also served as a “District Icon” for Dakshin Dinajpur, using her platform to motivate local youth to participate in the democratic process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Sunita Sarkar?
Sunita Sarkar is a professional footballer and the captain of the East Bengal Women’s Football team. She is recognized for her early selection to the Indian U-14 Women’s National Team.
What is Sunita Sarkar’s home district?
Sunita hails from the Dakshin Dinajpur district in West Bengal.
What has been Sunita Sarkar’s biggest challenge as a captain?
While individual skill is important, Sunita emphasizes the challenge of maintaining team consistency. She believes the most important leadership trait is keeping morale high so that every teammate gives their best effort on the field.
What are Sunita Sarkar’s future goals?
Beyond her achievements with East Bengal FC, Sunita is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Physical Education at Charuchandra College and aims to represent the Indian national team at the senior level.
