Jharkhand News : Rising international footballer from Jharkhand and recipient of the Prime Minister’s National Child Award, Anushka Kumari, met Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday in a courtesy visit. During the meeting, the Chief Minister congratulated Anushka on the New Year and her outstanding performance in international football.
The Chief Minister said, “May the New Year be excellent for you. Achieve new milestones in international football and make your state and country proud. The government stands with you at every step.” On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored Anushka and presented her with a sports kit.
Anushka shared her sporting experiences with the Chief Minister. He further said, “Focus on your game without worries. Jharkhand has no shortage of sports talent. Our government is providing platforms and opportunities for athletes to shine.”
The Chief Minister also instructed the Ranchi district administration to develop a sports ground in Anushka’s village, Rukka. He emphasized that no athlete’s talent should be suppressed due to financial difficulties.
Anushka, popularly known as the ‘Goal Machine’, has made her mark in football despite financial challenges. Her father, Dilesh Munda, is differently-abled, and her mother works as a daily wage laborer. She has two brothers; the elder works in a factory, and the younger is studying.
On December 26, 2025, President Draupadi Murmu presented Anushka with the Prime Minister’s National Child Award for her outstanding achievements in football during the National Brave Child Day ceremony in New Delhi.
Anushka will represent India in the Asian Under-17 Football Championship in China in March 2026. Earlier, she was a key player in the Indian team that won the SAFF Under-17 Football Championship in Bhutan last year, scoring seven goals and earning the title of ‘Player of the Tournament’. She was also part of the Indian team that finished as runner-up in the 2024 Under-16 SAFF Football Championship in Nepal.
Currently, she is training at the Residential Girls Football Training Center in Hazaribagh and will appear for her 10th-grade exams this year.
