Ritu's Mother: 'I Told Ritu to Score a Goal Today'

"I told Ritu to score a goal today, to make Bangladesh win. My granddaughter (Shubha Chakma) also told Ritu—Aunty, you will score today. My daughter asked for my blessings." This is how Basubati Chakma, mother of Ritu Porna Chakma, expressed her expectations regarding today's final match. She spoke with her daughter, Ritu Porna Chakma, who is in Goa, India, on Friday night. She talks to her daughter every day via video call, but yesterday's conversation focused on the final match.

Bangladesh will face India in the final tonight in Goa. Ritu Porna and her teammates, the Sagarika and others, stand on the verge of a historic hat-trick of titles. The weight of expectations from the entire nation, like the rest of the country, rests on their shoulders. On the path to the final, Ritu Porna's goal brought Bangladesh back to level terms against Nepal. In the last SAFF final as well, the winning goal against Nepal came from Ritu Porna's boot. Therefore, the expectations are sky-high.

Ritu's mother, Basubati, is also eagerly waiting to watch today's final. She has a television at home. However, she is also worried about whether there will be electricity—"The main problem is electricity. If the power is on, I will watch the match on TV at home with my daughter and granddaughter. Neighbors also come over to watch. If not, I'll have to watch on my mobile phone."

Basubati hasn't missed the photos and videos of Ritu Porna being published in newspapers and on TV surrounding the SAFF Women's Football final. She says, "My daughter is shy by nature. She feels embarrassed when her photos appear in the papers."

Basubati lives in Mogachhari village, Kaukhali, Rangamati, with Ritu's sister Putul and Putul's daughter Shubha. She is battling cancer and undergoing treatment. On the day of the semifinal, she had to go to a doctor in Chittagong and had to watch the match on her mobile phone while returning home by car.

Ritu is very concerned about her mother. When she is away, she talks to her mother every day and inquires about her health. Her mother only tells her daughter to focus on the game. "I told her not to worry. Ritu asked me to bless her and pray for her. I have a statue of Lord Buddha in my room. I offered flowers this morning, like every day. I will light a lamp in the evening. Please also bless my daughter, so that she returns victorious," said Basubati.

Ritu Porna last came home during the Baisabi festival. She stayed for about a week that time. She was a member of the SAFF champion team both previous times. After returning home as champion twice, Ritu, Rupna, Monika, and others were given a reception in Rangamati. A festive atmosphere was created in Ritu's neighborhood. The hills are now waiting for such a celebration this time as well.