MARGAO
Garhwal United FC captain and young midfield dynamo Sanfida Nongrum has emerged as a standout performer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2 (2024–25), impressing fans and coaches alike with her tactical intelligence, composure, and skilful playmaking in Goa.
A native of Meghalaya, Sanfida’s football journey began at Kickstart Football Coaching Centre. “Those early years were transformative,” she recalls. “The coaches put me through intense fitness and technical sessions. Sometimes, I was the only girl playing with boys, which toughened me up and helped me get over any fear.”
Over the years, she has represented Meghalaya in the Subroto Cup (twice), played U-15 Sub-Junior Nationals, and featured in the Senior Nationals for Delhi. In 2021, she made her IWL debut with Sirvodem SC, before leading Garhwal United to IWL 2 glory in 2025.
While proud of her progress, donning the Indian jersey remains her ultimate goal. “I’ve worked hard and reached this level, but wearing India colours—that dream still burns bright,” she said.
Sanfida attributes her recent rise to both physical preparation and mental training, which she and her teammates undertook over the last several months under the guidance of Garhwal United coach Akshay Unni. “He believed we had the skill but needed to be mentally stronger. That training helped me stay calm and focused during matches.”
A long-time admirer of Bembem Devi, Sanfida remembers being inspired by the Indian legend at age 12. “She scored from a distance, moved with such agility—I was awestruck. I can still see that goal clearly in my mind.”
Despite hailing from Meghalaya, Sanfida is registered with Football Delhi due to her club affiliation with Garhwal United FC, making her eligible for Delhi’s senior team.
As for her thoughts on lifting the IWL 2 title, she beams, “Lifting the IWL 2 trophy with my teammates and coaches—that’s all that had mattered to me. We’ve come this far with years of hard work, and I want to celebrate that moment with those who believed in me.”
With her growing influence on the pitch and mature mindset off it, Sanfida Nongrum is certainly a name to watch in Indian women’s football.
