Even as efforts are on to position Odisha as the country’s sports capital to host international events, as many as 20 former national-level women footballers of Sambalpur district are struggling hard for their livelihood.

Dolly Munda, Sunita Soren, Dipti Kisan, Santoshini Oram, Meena Aaind and Subasini Baag, who had represented the State at many national-level football events under several groups, are now poverty-stricken.

Dolly had led the Odisha women football team six times and played in three national football competitions during her career. Now, she earns a paltry livelihood rolling bidi at her home. Sunita, who had also found place in the Indian camp along with Dolly, is struggling against an adverse situation under acute poverty.

Dipti, who had played in five national-level football events, has recently opened a beauty salon for her livelihood, Meena is cleaning utensils at others’ houses while Santoshini is working with a small organisation on a low remuneration and Subasini is learning tailoring to eke out a living.

There are several other women footballers, including Bandana Oram, Madhumita Meher, Minati Tirkey, Parbati Munda, Ratani Munda, Prema Munda, Padmini Suna, Karmee Munda, Reena Oram, Drupati Munda, Runu Thappa, Rajni Oram, Sasmita Tappo, who are struggling to live with dignity.

Former football players Sukanti Barik, Pooja Sahoo and Lili Munda, who had taken part at inter-university-level events, are reportedly also living in extreme poverty.

Sambalpur district has created 34 State- and national-level football talents so far. They have been appealing to the Government many a time for employment but in vain.

However, they now hope to get Government assistance as the State, of late, has its own Indian Super League (ISL) club football team.