Nitu Linda, one of the Under-19 SAFF-winning Indian women, was visualizing the upcoming scenario when she would board down at Ranchi airport on Saturday afternoon. More than hundreds of people from her village Haldama in Ranchi district will be rushing towards her, trying to garland her. 

Then she would be escorted by her fans to her home where her two elder sisters and three brothers, especially Dhaneswar Bhaia whose care, affection, and continuous inspiration converted the 19-year-old girl into an Indian international would not be able to hold tears and embrace her in joy. 

Nitu, sitting at the Dumdum airport on Saturday morning, sounded positive on her visualization. She said, “I know this will happen after I return home.”

“This was probably my sixth international competition for the national team and the final against Bangladesh was most challenging and memorable”, claimed the midfielder. 

First, they had to go through a neck-to-neck 90-minute battle that ended 1-1. It was followed by tension-mounting 11-11 in the penalty shoot-out. The psychological pressure was doubled by the supporters’ continuous ear-splitting yelling from the stands. Nitu claimed, "They were throwing bottles to the ground, offering slang continuously till we left the ground."

Nowadays Nitu cherishes the picture that has grown in her surroundings that several girls have idolized her and playing football in her locality. Still, she cannot forget the past when her mother passed away. "I was only 12 and was alone in the room beside my bedridden mother. I became so depressed after the incident that I could not speak out for some time. Football moved far away from my life. Only due to my father, family members, especially Dhaneswar Bhaia’s inspiration, I could bounce back," recalled Nitu. 

The midfielder whose one defence-splitting pass helped Shibani Devi strike for India in the final has been fighting against dire financial distress since her childhood. Her father, Soharai Oraon, is a landless peasant, who once used to work in someone else’s field. Once he retired because of advancing age, it was left to her brother, Dhaneshwar Oraon, to work in brick kilns.  

After her mother passed away in 2018 Nitu had to spend her childhood either managing the household or working in the fields and brick kilns. Still, unyielding mental strength and passion for football drove Nitu to continue. Simultaneously, she received continuous support from her family.

Nitu Linda is now concentrating on the next engagement with her current team Sreebhumi Sporting FC which will be participating in the second division of the IWL. 

The midfielder wants to earn from football to bring smiles to her family members' faces. "I must have to improve and exhibit a better standard of football. I am also willing to prove my mettle by appearing for selection trials at any foreign team in the future." 

Nitu has another desire. That is to meet the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni who also lives in Ranchi. “I have seen the biopic on him several times. He has been my inspiration. I dream of meeting him to seek advice at least for once,” concluded Nitu.