In the heart of Meghalaya's misty hills, unfolds a tale of a passionate footballer in her pursuit of excellence. Allow me to introduce the main character of our story: Bonifilia Shullai. This 14-year
In the heart of Meghalaya’s misty hills, unfolds a tale of a passionate footballer in her pursuit of excellence. Allow me to introduce the main character of our story: Bonifilia Shullai. This 14-year-old’s football journey from being a wide-eyed 3-year-old watching matches with awe to leading the India U16 team in the SAFF Championship, is the stuff dreams are made of.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête, Bonifilia, her coach, and her family unveil an inspiring tale behind her rise to prominence.
Among the countless fans glued to the screen during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, one little girl from Shillong found her heart captivated by the grace and grit of Cristiano Ronaldo. Bonifilia, fondly known as Boni, traces her love for football back to her childhood. Supported by her father, Christopher Dohling, who recognized her talent and nurtured her passion, Boni began her training journey at the age of 5. Reflecting on her early days, Christopher shares, “When I saw her kick the ball for the first time, I just knew. The way she controls the ball- I knew she was meant to be someone great.” Despite initial scepticism from her mother, Bani Ember Shullai, who worried about the bruises and cuts that came with the sport, Boni’s determination won her family’s wholehearted support.
Sharing her football journey with us, Boni says, “It began when I was five years old. I started training with my father who recognized my talent and got me my very first jersey. At the age of seven, I joined the grassroots centres.”
Boni began playing in the under-12 category when she was just six years old and progressed to the under-15 category by the age of eight. Quickly progressing towards state tournaments and leagues, Boni consistently showcased her skills and leadership qualities. The ISL children’s league provided her with significant exposure, enhancing her prowess and strengthening her determination. Reminiscing about her early achievements, her father states, “In 2017 when she played at the grassroots centre, she scored the first goal. I knew she had it.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges. It limited playing football in the open with other athletes. But our champ was undeterred- Bonifilia adapted. She turned her basement into a makeshift training ground alongside her father and cousins. And her hard work paid off! She secured a spot in the KSFA division following the BBFS trials in Bangalore.
The subsequent opportunity to join the BBFS academy in June 2022 marked an important milestone in Boni’s journey, offering a platform to hone her talents while balancing her education. “BBFS gives me more opportunities and more game time. I’ve played in 4 nationals, represented Maharashtra 4 times, and Meghalaya, once.”
With a keen eye for talent and a penchant for nurturing potential, Boni’s coach at BBFS, Ankith Sawant, played a pivotal role in helping the young athlete find her place on the field. When asked about how Bonifilia was first introduced to the team, the coach reflected on her arrival in June 2022, recalling her impressive performance at the BBCC Champions Cup in 2021.
Describing her progress, Ankith notes, “She was always good, she needed some clarity. Boni was a winger before she came to BBFS. But looking at her technique and style as a player, I placed her in a mid-fielder position”. Addressing the same issue, Boni confesses, “Since I joined BBFS, my skills have improved a lot. The coaches have taught me so much. Before coming here, I wasn’t sure about my position, but my coach helped me gather that I was best at being a midfielder. It helps me establish control over the game.”
Ankith highlights Boni’s exceptional football IQ and leadership qualities. He states, “She understands what tactics are, she can implement it every single time…She is a leader. She takes initiative and responsibility.” Addressing Bonifilia’s distinctive qualities, Ankith proudly says, “She’s very focused, she knows what to do and what not to do. The best part is that she won’t make the same mistake twice. He noted her mother’s support for the Shillong team’s medical needs and described Bonifilia as “very friendly, very jolly, and very helpful to teammates.”
The same kind of respect and admiration resonates when Boni gushes about her coach: “He’s a really good goalkeeper and player, he has different techniques and has also taught me to be a better player and a better human being.”
During her football journey, Ankith mentions Bonifilia’s struggle with minor injuries and the importance of convincing her to take breaks. Eventually, she was taught to understand the necessity of rest for her overall well-being and performance on the field. “She deserved a spot on the team from the beginning. I just had to give her the right nudge. I think it was more of guiding than coaching that I did.” Boni confesses that she has trouble adapting, in general. And it was no different when she first started her journey at BBFS.
But that eventually changed as Boni got better acquainted with her peers, her coaches, and most importantly- her routine. About what she is currently working on, she shares that her focus is now on improving her turning and shooting tactics, and also working on good decision making.
In my conversation with Boni, her parents and her coach, it was evident that I was in the presence of a star in the making. Boni is well aware of the sacrifice that is needed in wanting to play for her country. Giving us insights on the same, Ankith shares,” She’s been mentally trained for this from a very young age. Her parents, particularly her father’s influence due to his army background, have prepared her for the challenges ahead. My role is to support her aspirations and provide guidance in her journey.”
Regarding her role within the team, the coach describes Bonifilia as a leader who takes initiative, assumes responsibility, and assists teammates, especially those facing language barriers. Looking ahead, Ankith aspires for Bonifilia to play in Europe or the United States because of the thriving women’s football scene in those regions. He encourages her, stating, “Your current journey is just the beginning of your dreams. You have a long road ahead.”
Boni’s football journey is punctuated by memorable achievements, including representing Meghalaya in national championships, and captaining her team to success. Reflecting on these moments, she says, “Playing for India U16 team – SAFF CHAMPIONSHIP was a dream come true.” Her coach remarks on how brilliantly Boni secured a national football championship, and how she represented Meghalaya with much grit and grace.
Boni also fondly recalls her win in DWPL( Delhi women’s premier league). “I won player of the match twice, I got to be captain for Garwahl. It was a big deal for me.”
When questioned about what fuels her, Bonifilia reveals that it’s not any specific factor that drives her, but rather a simple memory from her childhood. “I just recall how, as a child, I always aspired to become a professional player, representing my country and Europe. That keeps me going.” She also tells us about the two people she looks up to Sanfida Nongrum and her idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. “Sanfida is a good friend, but she’s also my competition. And that’s mostly because of how good she is! She’s better than the boys, better than every single player in Shillong. And Ronaldo, of course, because he never gives up.”
“My dream is to play for the senior team, continue playing for five years, and then play for the country. I wish to go international after that.” When Bonifilia shared that with me, I wasn’t just listening to a young teenager with big dreams, but I was witnessing an athlete with a plan. And she knows exactly what she wants and exactly how to make that happen. Addressing the visible differences that exist between men and women’s football, Boni stated that women’s football needs more support on a national and an international level.
During our interview calls, the one thing that stood out for me, right from the start, was how involved and supportive Bonifilia’s parents have been in her football journey. Mr Christopher Dohling is his daughter’s biggest fan! In my conversation with him, he gushes, “In 2017 when she played at the grassroots centre, Boni scored the first goal. I knew that she had it. And now everyone could see. She was happy, she enjoyed the game, and she loved scoring goals. It makes her very happy. And that makes me happy. Even when we’re away from each other, I let her know that no matter where she is, we’ll always be there.
Boni’s father worked in the Indian army before she was born. But he requested voluntary retirement so that he could have time to spend with Boni and her younger sister. “It’s what parents do. And I never pressured her about football. Even when I noticed that she only wanted to watch football on TV. Whenever she played, I just said ‘Enjoy the game’. And when I saw her interest, passion, and discipline grow, I decided to train her. She refuses to read or eat if she doesn’t get to play!”
Mr Dohling smiles when I ask him if he has a message for his daughter. He says, “Enjoy the game and be a good example to others. Please be honest, and humble, and listen to your coach and seniors. Keep working hard, give everything to god, and don’t forget what god has given you.”
As if this wasn’t already enough to tug at our heartstrings, Boni responded to the love by saying: “I’m grateful that I have a dad like mine. I wouldn’t have been here without him.”
As Bonifilia Shullai continues her ascent to the pinnacle of Indian women’s football, she has a piece of advice for other young woman athletes who aspire to pursue football: “Believe in yourself and work hard. Patience and consistence is the way to go.”
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