Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], May 28 (ANI): India U-17 women’s football player Divyani Linda’s inspiring journey from a modest hut in Jharkhand to representing the country on international stages drew national attention on Thursday after Union Minister of State (MoS) Defence Sanjay Seth and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth visited her family and assured support for her future.During his visit to Linda’s residence in Ranchi, Seth announced a series of measures for the young footballer and her family, including medical treatment for her paralysed brother at AIIMS, construction of a new house before Durga Puja, and development of football grounds in her village for aspiring players.Calling Divyani “pride of the nation,” Seth highlighted the difficult circumstances under which the teenager has pursued football.”She is our pride. In the small hut, there are over 50 trophies and medals from across the world. She is the brand ambassador of Viksit Bharat. Her mother is a daily wage labourer. Her brother is paralysed from the waist down. We are arranging for his treatment in AIIMS. Her father died four years ago. Divyani’s target should be the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics,” Seth told ANI.He further added, “It’s our social responsibility to look after her and her family’s well-being so that she can focus on her game and make India proud…we are setting up fields in the village itself for Divyani and other girls like her. PM Modi keeps saying that every sportsperson should focus on medals, which is possible only when we push them ahead. We will build her a home before Durga Puja and set up a field for her practice.”Despite financial hardships and personal tragedy, Divyani has steadily risen through India’s youth football ranks. Her father passed away four years ago, while her younger brother remains paralysed due to a lack of adequate medical treatment.Speaking about her football journey, Divyani recounted how her passion for the sport began in childhood and how discipline and perseverance shaped her career.”We recently played in the Under-16 SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) tournament in 2024, where we finished as runners-up. We also competed in the Under-17 tournament in Bhutan, where we emerged as champions. We played in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) tournament in Kyrgyzstan, and we successfully qualified for the next stage. The qualifying round then took place in China. We travelled there to compete for a spot in the World Cup, and we managed to reach the quarter-finals,” she said.She further said, “I am an all-rounder, but I adapt my role according to the situation. I have loved playing football since my childhood. I used to watch famous players on TV, and seeing them play sparked a great sense of excitement and ambition within me. My mother initially tried to dissuade me, warning that I might get injured. I would wake up at 4:00 am every morning to go and practice. I was selected to represent India. I am currently training to secure a spot in the Under-19 senior team. My goal is to bring glory to my country and prepare for the World Cup.”Her mother, Pratima Devi, who works as a daily wage labourer, spoke emotionally about her daughter’s determination and the family’s struggles.”I am a daily wage labourer. She has taken an interest in football since childhood. She would wake up at 4 in the morning and go to play, come back and go to school. I was sceptical about her getting injured, but she was fearless. She has been to Russia, China, Nepal, and Bhutan, among other places. I feel good that she is playing and doing well for herself. Her father passed away 4 years ago, and my youngest child is paralysed. Due to a lack of money, we have not been able to get him proper treatment,” she told ANI.As promises of support poured in for the young footballer, Divyani’s story stood out as a powerful reminder of how talent and determination can thrive even in the harshest circumstances, provided timely support reaches those who carry the dreams of representing India on the world stage. (ANI)(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)