Jharsuguda: Despite having represented Odisha at the national level matches in football, woman footballer Bharti Pandey of Debadihi village near the district headquarters town here is in agony for which she has appealed the State Government for a job so that she could lead a dignified life.
Not only football but Bharti has also represented Odisha in Rugby and Kabaddi, as per reports.
In her media reactions, Bharti Pandey said, “I’ve represented Odisha at the national level. At present, the children in our village are being guided by me. I’m deprived of any support from the government. I have a shop here in our village for my sustenance. I appeal to the government for a job so that I could lead a better life.”
Her husband rued, “Being a national level footballer, she is eking out her living from a small grocery shop in our Debadidhi village. She is deprived of government support. However, she is coaching the children here on the game of football even leaving behind our 2-year old child. Hence, we appeal to the government for doing the needful.”
“I’m a postal peon. We’re unable to maintain our family comfortably. We appeal the government for the support to Bharati Pandey.”
Bharti’s fans and co-villagers during their media interaction said that the administration previously interfered and another woman player Tanuja Bagey was provided with a job for which they now anxiously wait and watch for the outcome of Bharati’s case.