Bhubaneswar: Fourteen-year-old Laxmi Murmu, a Class VIII student from the remote village of Bhalubasa under Salijanga panchayat in Danagadi block of Jajpur district, has secured a prestigious four-year residential scholarship at the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in Panjim, Goa. The academy is a premier institution renowned for scouting and nurturing India's finest young football talent into elite professionals.
Laxmi’s journey began with informal games in Class III, but her passion deepened after she discovered the Baghuapal Grassroots Football Training Centre, a Tata Steel Foundation initiative located five kilometers from her home. Inspired by watching other girls train, she committed herself to rigorous daily practice, balancing her athletic ambition with her studies.
Her path to success was not without challenges. In the initial days, women's football faced resistance within her community. Laxmi had to play in secret against her parents' wishes, and faced local criticism regarding her jersey and choice of sport. However, her unwavering determination eventually won over her father, Ram Murmu, who became a strong supporter despite village scepticism. Her breakthrough moment came when she caught the attention of national scouts associated with the Sesa Football Academy.
Expressing her joy at the achievement, Laxmi said "I was told that I had been selected for a four-year residential programme. It is a big opportunity, and I want other girls to know that they too can get such opportunities if they dedicate themselves to the sport."
Set to join the academy on June 1, 2026, Laxmi will receive comprehensive support, including education, professional coaching, boarding, lodging, sports equipment, medical insurance, and annual travel assistance to visit her home. Her achievement highlights the impact of Tata Steel Foundation’s grassroots sports ecosystem, which actively dismantles traditional social barriers and creates professional pathways for rural youth. Today, Laxmi stands as a powerful symbol of hope, proving that exceptional talent thrives in the most remote corners of India when given the opportunity and encouragement.
