Born on February 25, 1995, in the scenic hills of Darjeeling–Kalimpong region, Anju Tamang carries the spirit of the Himalayas both in her personality and her playing style. A talented midfielder with natural flair and determination, she has become an integral part of India’s national women’s football team.
Early Life & Football Beginnings
Growing up in a football-loving Sikkimese community, Anju fell in love with the game early on. She began her training at local academies, displaying remarkable balance, technique, and attacking instincts. She soon stood out in local youth tournaments, earning recognition and encouragement from her family and coaches.
Her disciplined upbringing and early exposure to top coaching paved the way for rapid growth as a creative, all‑round midfielder.
Club Career: A Journey Through India’s Women’s League
Rising through Local Clubs
Anju’s first clubs included local teams from Sikkim, where she quickly became known for her balanced midfield play—combining vision, passing accuracy, and athleticism. Her ability to control tempo and distribute the ball caught the eye of national scouts.
Gokulam Kerala FC & Olympic Abahani (Bangladesh)
Anju took her talents to Gokulam Kerala FC, one of India’s leading teams, playing a major role in their midfield engine room. She later had a notable stint in Bangladesh with Olympic Abahani, where her contributions helped the team win domestic titles, affirming her as a top talent in the region.
Odisha Police & Return to Gokulam
After returning to India, Anju also represented Odisha Police, before rejoining Gokulam Kerala FC and later signing with Sethu FC. In every team, she has been celebrated for her energy, pinpoint passing, and crucial midfield contributions.
International Impact: From Debut to Mainstay
Anju made her senior debut for the Indian Women’s National Team in 2016. Since then, she’s become a midfield linchpin, wearing the national colors in numerous international fixtures:
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SAFF Women’s Championship victories
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AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
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Copa América preparatory friendlies
Her intelligent ball movement, stamina, and tactical adaptability have made her a favorite among coaches and a reliable presence on the field.
Playing Style & Strengths
Anju Tamang’s style is a blend of creativity and grit. Her strengths include:
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Advanced ball vision and distribution, delivering key passes
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Box-to-box energy, supporting both defense and attack
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Strong ball control under pressure
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Excellent game intelligence and positioning
Her ability to shift play, keep possession, and feed strikers makes her the heartbeat of India’s midfield.
Career Highlights & Achievements
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Over 50 caps for India, representing the country across major tournaments
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Contributed significantly to India’s SAFF Championship victories
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Played a major role in Bangladesh Premier League’s winning campaign with Olympic Abahani
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Key player in multiple domestic league triumphs with Gokulam Kerala FC
Endorsements & Influence
Anju’s consistently high performances have started drawing interest beyond the field. She has:
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Participated in grassroots football campaigns in the northeast
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Inspired youth players—especially girls—from remote regions
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Attracted attention from sportswear and athletic brands, with increasing endorsement appeal
Her humble background and approachable personality make her a relatable and influential figure in women’s football.
Salary and Earnings
Anju’s income is a combination of sources:
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Club contracts with Gokulam, Sethu FC, and Odisha Police
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Match fees and allowances from the national team
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Performance bonuses and modest brand partnerships
Although precise figures aren’t public, experienced players like Anju often earn between ₹8–12 lakhs annually, with potential to grow as the women’s game expands in India.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
Now in her late twenties and still performing at an elite level, Anju Tamang is at the peak of her football career. Her journey—from the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong to leading the national midfield—stands as a testament to perseverance and talent.
As Indian women’s football continues to grow, Anju’s blend of technical skill, mental toughness, and humility ensures she remains a vital force—on the field and as a role model for aspiring athletes.
