"Being SUZU" (A True Story)

Darjeeling, August, 2004

As usual I was watching the boys playing soccer in the rain through my window. They were happily enjoying every moment of the game. I looked at my doll and said “Pani rokay pachy hami Pany bhara kuti khelnu parcha la”. My mother shouting “kheldai gareko photo Pani thiyo”

November, 2004

One evening my parents had to leave for a demise of an elderly grandfather in a nearby village. I had been eagerly waiting for that moment to play with the boys. Several times I looked from the window as there was no sign of the boys. My neighbour Priya had all the luxury things from Barbie dolls to kitchen sets. She always used to share her toys with me. I went to her place and started to groom

 

the Barbie. Suddenly a group of boys started shouting “Rajiv mero team ma” My heart pounded with joy and I ran leaving the Barbie in the floor. I was so excited to see them back on the ground. Rajiv was the best player amongst all. He had the acrobatic skills, pace and scored goals. Priya came from behind saying “oww timy kheldainou” on a soft voice. I replied let’s play football with them. She was like “abuiee” Khutta bachincha n she left. For the first time my voice raised out “I also want to play”. The guys stopped their game looked at me and laughed.

I still remember Rajiv put his hands over the waist and laughed so badly I couldn’t resist and went straight to ground to challenge them. I was given the first chance to play as a neutral player (dudh-bhaath) with a declaration if any thing occurs in between I will fully be responsible. I was happy running bare feet here and there in the ground until the ball hit me in my face. I wanted to prove myself strong but tears could not stop falling.
Later, that night my parents came after the funeral. Priya’s mother spilled out everything. I could see from my mother face that everything was over. I started to cry and said “abo dekn Kailey Pani kheldina” but still got beaten up.
December, 2004 
Winter vacation had started, schools were closed and there were more events held on the ground. “Suzu Suzu Suzu”… Knocking at my door. My father opened the door and it was the bunch of Rajiv gangs. I wondered why they were here.
Chanda (Donations) for a local village tournament. The most exciting event was near as footballers from many places would travel and compete each other in the tournament. My father looked and me and said if results are better I would get you a Football. Since then Rajiv and Gang used to call me every time to play with them. Results were declared and I got the first gift football jersey & a ball from my dad. However my dad convinced my mum and they understood my passion.
Now I had the new ball they made me midfield. One of the highly respected positions. I learned few techniques especially rules and position. My passion never stopped after that….Sometimes my friends show me their ramp walk videos and their glamour moments of fashion. Make up tutorials, grooming sessions etc. Definitely I like them but when you have pound your heart into one profession it only beats one thing ⚽
After watching “Bend it like Beckham” it took me more to be a professional player. My visons grew wider & deeper. 

 

Now, I am Sujata Rai not dudh bhat,Age-27,From Darjeeling
Center midfielder, Defensive Midfield, Left/Right wide midfielder
Played in,
1.National league 2. Bengal 3. Delhi 4. Mumbai5. Represented Bengal Olympic 2017 (bronze)
6. Represented India in International tournament in 2019 -Homeless world cup at Cardiff, Wales.
7. Nepal national league
Sunday 13th June,2021
If there comes a decision whether to choose between Marriage or play for INDIA
I would definitely play for India first~ Sujata Rai(Suzu Chamling) 🇮🇳
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