Rimpa Halder terms her second Kanyasree Cup title more precious compared to her maiden CFL women’s league title last season with East Bengal. 

She has reasons behind this. 

She explained "We had to defy some major odds before playing the final. We were underdogs. We had to face mockery continuously since the match started. Additionally, referring was not impartial. We had to play with 10 players after Moushumi Murmu was sent off but the decision was not fair. So, despite all odds, this victory has been memorable.” 

The 18-year-old striker of Sreebhumi FC finished in the Kanyasree Cup as the second top scorer after East Bengal’s Sulanjana Raul (she scored 17 goals), scoring 15 goals. 

But the more interesting part of her journey in the Kanyasree Cup is that Rimpa’s consistency in the League has helped her to receive offers from a couple of teams from IWL already (Indian Women’s League). 

Rimpa however did not want to comment on the issue saying, “Our head coach Sujata madam knows about the issue. She will finally decide which team I might join.” 

Rimpa’s father Sribas Halder is a fisher. With mother and brother, it becomes difficult for Rimpa’s father to fight financial hardship. Rimpa, a resident of Haspukuria village in Nadia district however revealed, “I did not have to face the financial distress. My childhood coach Avik Biswas used to bear all the expenses. I still train under his guidance whenever I go back home.” 

Sujit Bose, the minister and the club president announced a cash incentive of Rs 1 lakh for the team after Sreebhumi FC won the Kanyasree Cup on Friday at Kishore Bharati Stadium. 

Rimpa divulged, “I will contribute to my family whatever I will get.”

The striker also expressed gratitude to her coach Sujata Kar. “Before the final, Sujata Madam patted our back and said she had confidence in us, we would be able to win the match. The way she motivates us is unique." 

Sreebhumi FC who has earned qualification to take part in the second division IWL will soon start preparation for the League.