There’s a new star in the making, and she’s not just scoring goals on the field but etching her narrative onto the hallowed turf. Say hello to Deepika Pal, a 16-year-old footballer and a force to be reckoned with!

From the local fields to the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) Residential Academy, Nashik in association with Barnes School & Junior College Academy, Deepika’s journey is more than just a collection of victories; it’s a story of resilience, passion, and breaking norms. In an exclusive conversation, Deepika shares the nitty-gritty of her footballing adventure, adding layers to her story with insights from mentors Nikhil Khunteta and Akshay Unni.

Early Struggles and the Allure of Football

Deepika’s journey began at the age of 9, fueled by her father’s love for sports. Expressing her passion for the sport, she shares, “It’s a really beautiful game, and I love playing it. Football makes me happy! I enjoy it because I learn something new every time and then get to apply it on the field.”

Pursuing this very zeal for football, she joined FC Noida before finding a new home at BBFS (Nasik residency) in 2020. She was 13. Deepika’s time at BBFS has been marked by continuous growth and opportunities. Balancing her training between FC Noida and BBFS, she decided to focus solely on the latter due to the inclusive atmosphere and more playing time. “I left FC Noida because I was the only girl there. And I didn’t get to play a lot of matches. At BBFS I got to play for Garhwal United FC too.” 

Experiencing the Senior Women’s League

Deepika has been playing for Garhwal United in the Senior Women’s League for 4 years now, showcasing her prowess as a striker and earning the title of the Emerging Player of the Tournament in 2021.

However, it wasn’t just about scoring goals for her, but about a supportive environment and coaches who fostered an atmosphere conducive to her development. ”My favorite thing about BBFS is that the coaches here are very friendly and understanding. They make us feel like home.”

Life at the BBFS Residential Academy

Deepika later went on to train at the BBFS Residential Academy, Nashik in April 2022. Adjusting to the new environment and getting acquainted with everyone took some time. The schedule was intense, starting as early as 5 am and lasting until 10 pm. “I didn’t like it here in the beginning because it took me some time to adjust and get along with people” Yet, as time progressed, the coaches helped Deepika get more adjusted. “The coaches created a safe space for me. Time helped. It’s a habit now. It’s easier.”

Of Trials and Tribulations: 

Amid her numerous accomplishments, Deepika cherished the call-up to the India Under-17 camp in 2023. However, a significant turning point came with an unfortunate ankle injury in December 2023, disrupting her plans to represent India at the Under-19 level and participate in the SAFF Championship.

The injury not only posed a physical challenge but also took a toll on Deepika’s mental well-being. As the reality of her fractured ankle set in, she grappled with the excruciating pain and the realization that she would spend the next 3-4 months in recovery. The mental distress intensified as her plans collapsed, and the prospect of being sidelined from the sport she loved loomed large.

Deepika confessed how she faced moments of boredom and despair during her recovery. Stripped of the ability to engage in simple activities like taking a bath, she found solace in writing in her diary. The absence of her phone further isolated her from the outside world. The news of a call-up to the India Under-19 team during this period brought mixed emotions – happiness at the recognition but sadness at the realization that she couldn’t participate due to her injury.

Coaches as Pillars of Support

The road to recovery was not just about healing her fractured ankle but mending the aspirations temporarily shaken by an unexpected setback. Throughout this challenging period, Deepika leaned on the unwavering support of her coaches. Nikhil Khunteta, her coach at BBFS, emphasized her persistent and hardworking nature, providing counselling and rehabilitation to help her cope with the mental distress caused by the injury. He praised her for never giving anything less than 100 per cent, even in the face of setbacks. Nikhil underlined her tenacity and confidently expressed that once Deepika recovered, she would seamlessly reintegrate into the team.

Akshay Unni, who had been mentoring Deepika since she was just 7 years old, highlighted her unique technique, emphasizing her ability to play and score with both her right and left foot. He recalled her early days, attending football tournaments in Delhi, standing out as the only girl among boys. “Her mental strength and determination were evident even in those formative years”, he shares. Akshay also shed light on the cultural shift and initial challenges Deepika faced when she joined the Barnes Academy. Despite cultural differences and initial confidence issues, her coaches worked diligently to build her confidence, understanding that her progress was key to unlocking her full potential on the field. 

When asked about her biggest motivation, Deepika gushes about her biggest cheerleader- her dad. He supported her every step of the way, from early morning training to late-night returns after office hours. “My dad has done everything for me”, she expresses.

Future Aspirations and Conclusion:

Discussing her recovery, Deepika shared how the coaches used hydrotherapy to assist her. Our champ expresses how she can’t wait to get back to working on her footwork at the gym once the plaster is off. “Any day now!”, she exclaims.

Deepika’s journey, although currently marked by a challenging phase of recovery, holds a promising future. Dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, representing India, and exploring European football, she’s inching towards glory with unwavering determination. The support and mentorship provided by her coaches at BBFS, Nikhil Khunteta and Akshay Unni, serve as a testament to her potential and resilience.

As Deepika continues her recovery and sets her sights on future competitions, her story becomes an inspiring narrative of determination, mental fortitude, and the crucial role that supportive coaches play in the development of young athletes. Her ability to overcome mental distress and emerge stronger showcases not only her resilience but also the transformative power of football in shaping lives. Deepika’s journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and the right support system, one can navigate even the most challenging setbacks on the path to success.

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