Mithul Marma of Bilaichari, Rangamati became the first participant from the indigenous community of Bangladesh to play the Three Nation Football Cup. This 5-foot 11-inch footballer also has a place in the good book of Jamie Day, an English football manager now the Head Coach of The Bangladesh National Football Team. The Three Nation Football cup is a friendly international association football tournament organized and controlled by the All Nepal Football Association(ANFA). The three competing nations are Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan. Among the squad of 23 from the Bangladesh Nation Football Team, Mithul is the only indigenous player.
Coming from a farmer’s family, Mithul’s journey wasn’t as easy as it sounds. He is the youngest among the 3 sons of Sangha Marma and Milech Chakma. Although no one from his family was determined to build a career in football, Mithul was fond of it from his childhood, local primary school teacher Shantojeet Tanchangya is to be credited for that. His football journey started from his primary level with Bangabandhu Prathamik School Football Tournament, which came a long way in fulfilling his dream to play in Bangladesh’s red & green jersey. After finishing Dhaka 2nd & 3rd division and also having some experience in under-15 & 19 tournaments, he is now playing as the Goalkeeper of Uttar Baridhara SC.
Although Mithul participated many times as a backup play in Three Nation Football Cup, this was the first time he played directly with the 23 player squad. Being in the same club with experienced goalkeepers like Anisur Rahman Zico & Sahidul Alam Sohel, it’s challenging to be one of the top 11 players in the club. Mithul’s passion for football isn’t only helping him to fulfill his dreams, but his family is also getting the benefit of it. His father used to have jhum and now they own more suitable and sustainable farmland on the plains, which helps the family’s farming business to be more profitable.
Even though Mithul was raised in a remote place of CHT and wasn’t from a well-sustained family, he got addicted to his passion for football and now fulfilling his dream as well as sustaining his family. This is just the beginning of the story of Mithul Marma of Bilaichari. The highest potential and much bigger dream of this young ambitious indigenous footballer is yet to be seen.
Written by Swagato Chakma
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