KENDRAPARA: The eyes of Rashmita Patra (23) light up each time a customer brings up the topic of the ongoing FIFA World Cup that has sent the entire globe into a frenzy. She never misses a chance to brag about her knowledge of the game which has brought money and fame for many in the world. But not in case of Patra, a football player herself.
The journey of Rashmita of Demala village from an international football player to a betel shop vendor is agonising. The woman, who brought many laurels for the State and the country, is now leading a life of deprivation. She sells paan from a small dingy shop at Aul market here to eke out a living.
“I sacrificed my childhood and career for football. But the game rewarded me with poverty and impoverishment,” said Rashmita.
Football was always her first love. “I took to football when I was 12 years old. My first coach was Chitta Ranjan Patra who, with his sincere efforts, scripted my success in the game,” said Rashmita.
She participated in many national and international tournaments and helped both the country and the State win many laurels. Patra participated in India under-16 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) womens’ qualifiers at Kuala Lumper in Malaysia in 2008. She also played for India in senior AFC qualifying round at Dhaka in 2011. In the same year, she played in Bahrain where the Indian team won the series by 2-1. Rasmita was a member of the Odisha team which won the senior women’s football championship at Bhillai in 2010.
The former India player is a great fan of Brazilian striker Neymar. She even sold her gold chain last month to purchase a colour television set to watch the FIFA World Cup matches.
Depsite running from pillar to post, Rashmita has failed to get a government job. “I dropped out during Class X as I had to skip HSC examination in 2008 to play for Indian under-16 team in Malaysia. Authorities say my educational qualification is an impediment in getting a decent job. But in other States and countries, education is never considered a stumbling block for a sportsperson to get job,” she said.
In 2013, Rashmita got married to Pandav Mallick, a fisherman of Demala village. To add to the income of the family, she opened the betel shop six months back. Both husband and wife reside in a mud-walled shanty which bears testimony to their miserable condition.
Former coach Chitta Ranjan Patra said he was shocked to know that Rashmita was forced to open a betel shop after her marriage. Another international footballer Alochana Senapati of Aul said, “She was a great defender. I have played with her in the Indian team.”
Vice-president of Kendrapara Athletic Association Bijaya Das said Odisha has a history of forgetting its heroes once they pass their prime. The struggle of Rashmita is nothing new. The Government should open its eyes to the plight of such sportspersons, he added.