Cradle of women’s football, Aul feels heady with FIFA World Cup fever

Kendrapada: Aul, regarded as the cradle of women’s football in Kendrapada district, is brimming with excitement over the FIFA World Cup 2026. The region has produced around 46 women international footballers since 2000.“We are thrilled about the World Cup. The mood in Aul is euphoric. I am a Lionel Messi fan and praying for Argentina’s victory. I jumped in joy on Wednesday when Messi scored three goals against Algeria,” said Gayatri Mallick of Mukundapur village in Aul block. Mallick represented India from 2007 to 2012 and is now a police officer in Odisha.“World Cup fever has already gripped Aul. We have been glued to television sets at home, leaving all our work aside since June 11.

Last week, my parents bought a TV for me to watch the matches. I am a fan of Mbappé and hope France wins the World Cup,” said Dipika Behera (15), a budding footballer from Aul.Sinulata Sahoo of Kantipur village, who represented India from 2018 to 2019, is now a coach at the Aul Football Academy.“At present, 92 budding footballers, including 22 boys, are training at the stadium in Aul. We have told all the trainees to stay up at night to watch the World Cup as it is an opportunity to learn the game better, compare playing styles, understand team tactics and see how great footballers perform under pressure.

The lessons they learn in a month can improve their game for years,” Sahoo said.Sai Prasad, who played for the Odisha team, has also been appointed by the sports department to coach footballers in Aul.“Most girls in Aul dream of donning the India jersey. They support Brazil, Portugal, France, Argentina, Japan and South Korea. They will learn the ropes of the game by watching the World Cup,” Prasad said.“I want to cheer along with others for Brazil, as I am a great supporter of Neymar and hope Brazil wins the World Cup,” said Alochana Senapati, who represented India for three years.Many girls from Aul have risen to international sport through their love for football and hard work. The success story of women’s football in Odisha has its roots in villages like Aul, where football continues to command passion and respect.Among the well-known internationals from the region in senior and junior teams are Sasmita Mallick, Gayatri Mallick, Suprava Samal, Sangita Patra, Shardhajali Sahoo, Rasmita Patra, Kausalya Barik, Alochana Senapati and Bijoylaxmi Sahu.

Around 46 girls from Aul have represented India in senior, U-19, U-17 and U-14 tournaments so far.Sasmita Mallick of Aul was selected by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the women’s ‘Footballer of the Year’ in 2016.“Football is a passion for Aul. Girls in this area are deeply interested in the sport and it commands great respect. Now, the World Cup is a month-long festival for them and they are ready to celebrate it,” said Debasmita Sharma, chairperson of the Aul Women Football Club.