Winger Ritu Porna Chakma played a key role as Bangladesh retuned their SAFF Women's Championship title in Nepal this year, despite not having the ideal preparation and buildup to the tournament. The left-winger brushed aside all her opponents with sheer pace and skill, scoring and providing goals for her team. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament too. The star winger spoke about the campaign and the aftermath in an interview with The Daily Star's Sabbir Hossain. Following are the excerpts:

The Daily Star (DS): How would you evaluate the performance of Bangladesh women's football team over the past year?

Ritu Porna Chakma (RPC): The year began poorly, with no games for five months. Despite that, we became SAFF champions for the second consecutive time, which was a satisfying end to the year.

DS: What stands out as your most memorable experience of 2024?

RPC: The outpouring of love of the people of our country after winning the SAFF Championship was the most rewarding experience. Bringing them the title and celebrating together filled us with great joy.

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DS: What was the hardest time you had in 2024?

RPC: As you know, we train year-round at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) camp. After winning our first SAFF Championship in 2022, we worked hard for the following two years to maintain that level of success. However, this year we faced many adversities, including severe financial difficulties. Our salaries were irregular, sometimes delayed by two or three months, which was the most hurtful aspect.

DS: Apart from the team's success in the SAFF Championship, what was your personal highlight of the year?

RPC: The moment I was announced as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament at the SAFF final awards ceremony is a memory I will cherish forever. I hadn't anticipated it at all, and the feeling of happiness was indescribable.

DS: Could you provide a detailed account of the match-winning goal in the SAFF final?

RPC: In the final, I made several crosses from the left wing, but none resulted in goals. I then decided to try my luck with a shot. Although it was from a difficult angle on the left outside the box, I truly aimed to score. Fortunately, it found the back of the net and became the winning goal.

DS: What inspires you in your professional career?

RPC: I am my own inspiration, always focusing on what's best for me. My love for football fuels my game, and I maintain strong self-belief whenever I'm on the field. From a childhood pastime, football has now become my profession, and I'm determined to represent Bangladesh for many years to come.

DS: How important is the support from the people of the country for your performance?

RPC: Hailing from the remote village of Magachhari in Ghagra union, Kawkhali upazila, Rangamati, I've faced numerous challenges to reach the national team. The support and affection I'm currently experiencing from people across the country provide great motivation, and I strive for consistent performance.

DS: How do you see yourself contributing to the development of football in Bangladesh in the years to come?

RPC: As football is my passion, I want to spend my life contributing to the sport. A dream that I cherish is to establish an academy named after my younger brother after I retire. He tragically died from electrocution at home two months before our SAFF Championship victory in 2022.

DS: Who is your favourite player and why?

RPC: Since childhood, I've heard of two players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo has always been my favourite. I've been watching him play since I first became interested in football, though I also admire Messi.

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DS: How do you manage the demands of both sports and your studies?

RPC: I am currently studying Philosophy at the University of Dhaka. Balancing sports and studies is challenging, and my attendance has suffered. However, I'm determined to complete my graduation, no matter what.

DS: What are the barriers to progress for female footballers in Bangladesh, and what steps can be taken to overcome them?

RPC: I've noticed a growing interest in football among girls. However, many in our country still hold negative views. This prejudice persists despite girls' achievements, making our path difficult. To advance women's football, academies with comprehensive training facilities should be established in every district. I believe we have the potential and talent to become one of the best teams in Asia.

DS: Could you provide an overview of the team's aspirations for the next year?

RPC: We've been on vacation for over a month now, and the BFF has yet to provide a calendar of upcoming matches and events for 2025. We have requested that a calendar be provided to enable us to prepare and maintain our performance levels. We've also discussed several demands with the new BFF president, Tabith Awal, including regular salary payments, improved diet in BFF camp, and consistent scheduling of international matches. We await their implementation.