Monika Chakma has already played three SAFF Championship editions at 21 years of age. She was one of the finest midfielders in the latest 2024 edition held in Kathmandu, Nepal in October. The footballer from Rangamati was one of the final’s top performers with a goal. Monika gave an exclusive interview to Dhaka Tribune after bringing the champions’ trophy home for the second straight time. Here are the excerpts:
How did you get into football?
I had love for football when I was reading in class two-three. I wanted to play football whenever I saw it, but didn’t kick the ball at first. My cousins taught me how to kick a football. We went to the just-cropped paddy fields to play. We played against the school’s boys’ teams after the start of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup (boys’ national primary school football tournament). The next year (2011) Bangamata Gold Cup (girls’ national primary school football tournament) was introduced. Teachers got me in the girls’ team. We reached the district phase and returned after losing a game. In 2012, we became district champions. Bir Sen Chakma sir (scouting for their school) liked my performance and wanted to take me to their school (Mogachhari Government Primary School). I didn’t want to leave my parents at first before I got admitted to their school in 2013. I shifted to the hostel, trained twice a day. I learned about warm-up at the new school. I moved to left wing from striker’s role. I played many tournaments and matches before getting into the camp.
Did you like football after your first experience?
A lot! I don’t know why I liked football so much since childhood. We three sisters in the family were mad for football. Our elder sister didn’t like football that much, she loved cricket. We played football. We sometimes beat the boys’ team.
Did you play against the boys in school?
Yes. There were times when the boys lost to us in primary school. Not all the time, it happened suddenly.
How were you as a player at that time?
I played well. Not the best though. I played for the love of the game. Whenever I played, it was like I was giving my life for it.
Did the boys envy you?
Yes. They envied us. They didn’t want to give us the ball. We got the most support from our teachers.
Whose name do you want to mention first?
Bir Sen Chakma sir. I didn’t know the existence of a national team in women’s football. He told me that he has players who played in the national team and showed me the vision to play for the national team as well.
Do you remember your first match?
I can’t remember which school played against us but there were lots of spectators to watch the girls play. I played well so everyone liked me. We went to the final in upazila phase. I was lost for words to see the number of spectators who wanted to watch me play. People from my village and neighborhood also came.
What role did you play at that time?
I was a striker before I moved to the new school where I played on left wing. I started playing in midfield after joining the national team.
While growing up, what did you like most about the hills?
I miss pahar (hills) the most. Even if I sit there for a moment, I like it. I don’t know why.
How was the initial experience in national team?
Two of us from Rangamati got chance and were given two separate rooms. I didn’t know anybody, so I felt uneasy. I didn’t talk to anybody. If someone asked me anything, I replied, sometimes maybe not. Later when I started communicating, I began talking more.
You played three SAFF Championship editions, which one is most memorable?
Since 2019, I competed in three SAFF Championships. The previous two editions (2022 and 2024) are my best. If I had to pick one, then it’s this (2024) one.
What are your goals going forward?
It’s not only mine but everyone’s dream to play in the top leagues of Asia and Europe. The target is to play for a good club abroad. For country, I want to produce better results in the future.
