How sport is helping children discover confidence, courage and possibility
When Sweety Devi Ngangbam walked onto the field wearing the captain’s armband for India’s Blue Tigresses at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, she represented far more than eleven players. She represented every young girl who has ever been told that football isn’t for her.
Her journey has been one of determination. A dependable defender in the Indian Women’s League, Sweety has overcome injuries, setbacks and limited recognition to become one of the country’s most respected footballers. During the Asian Cup, she also drew national attention when she appealed to the Indian diaspora to support grassroots football, highlighting the reality that many talented athletes outside cricket continue to struggle for visibility and resources.
Yet, despite these challenges, she continues to inspire thousands of young Indians with one simple message—dreams are possible when someone gives you an opportunity.
That opportunity is exactly what Literacy India hopes to create.
Far away from packed stadiums and television cameras, another football story is quietly unfolding at Literacy India’s Chingrighata Community Centre in Kolkata.
For the past three years, the centre had successfully nurtured a boys’ football programme. But every now and then, a few girls would quietly join the practice sessions. They played with the boys, ignored the curious looks and refused to believe that football belonged only to them.
Their enthusiasm was impossible to overlook. They weren't asking for special treatment; the were asking for a chance.
Listening to these aspirations, Literacy India established a dedicated Girls’ Football Programme, giving these young players an identity of their own.Today, fifteen girls between the ages of 12 and 18 proudly train at the RA Playground under the guidance of a female coach who has represented the state women’s football team twice.
Every practice session begins with warm-ups, stretching, jogging and fitness drills before moving into technical skills like dribbling, passing, shooting and positional play. The girls also train using Rondo drills, a globally recognised football exercise that sharpens quick thinking, teamwork, communication and decision-making.
Slowly but surely, confidence is replacing hesitation.
Among the team, Sneha, Bristi, Diya and Riya have already begun to stand out. Their talent and commitment suggest they have the potential to compete in school championships, club tournaments and even the prestigious Subroto Cup. Like many young footballers across India, they dream of one day representing their schools, their state and perhaps even their country.
And when they speak of their role models, the name that often comes up is Sweety Devi.
India has never lacked talent. What many children lack is exposure, encouragement and access to opportunity. Sometimes all it takes is a football, an open playground, a dedicated coach and someone who believes in them.
The Girls’ Football Programme in Kolkata is one humble step towards creating that opportunity. Because somewhere among these young girls may be India’s next football captain.
Sport: A Classroom for Life
At Literacy India, sport is an essential part of holistic development. Beyond goals and victories, the football field teaches discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership and the confidence to rise after every setback—qualities that shape a child’s future, whatever path they choose.
