In the heart of Indian women’s football, Rimpa Haldar has earned a reputation as a dependable, tactically astute midfielder. Her rise from village fields in West Bengal to national recognition reflects both her football intelligence and commitment to the sport.
Early Life & Discovering Football
Born on June 14, 2002, in Berhampore, Murshidabad district, Rimpa grew up in a close-knit Bengali family. She fell in love with football while playing in her school playgrounds and village grounds, often alongside boys. Early coaches quickly noted her sharp vision, control, and disciplined work ethic.
Her formative years were shaped through district-level camps and exposure to structured training at a regional football academy. With every session, Rimpa’s calmness, passing accuracy, and ability to read the game began to define her as a central-midfield talent.
Rising Through the Ranks: Club Football Journey
State and Regional Teams
Rimpa’s first taste of competitive football came during her selection for the Murshidabad district squad. From there, she earned a spot in West Bengal’s state academy, playing in national youth tournaments and honing her tactical instincts.
Indian Women’s League Steps
Demonstrating maturity beyond her years, she earned selection for a top-tier club in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). Known for her consistent passing, ball retention, and calm composure under pressure, Rimpa quickly earned the trust of coaches and teammates.
Key Club Contributions
Throughout her tenure in the IWL, Rimpa played key roles in midfield with significant defensive coverage and facilitation of forward plays. Her ability to seamlessly connect defensive efforts with attacking transitions has made her a valuable asset to every coach she’s worked with.
International Recognition & National Team Debut
Rimpa received her first call-up to the India U-19 squad, where she made a solid impression with her steady midfield control during youth camps and qualifiers. In early 2024, she earned a senior call-up and made her debut for the Indian Women’s National Team, showcasing her readiness and composure at the highest level.
Since then, she has earned a handful of caps, contributing significantly in qualifiers and friendly matches. While she may not grab headlines with flashy plays, her understated efficiency and reliability have made her a favorite for stabilizing midfield lineups.
Playing Style & Strengths
Rimpa is a central or defensive midfielder whose greatest attributes lie in her football IQ, composure, and tactical discipline. Key strengths include:
-
Smart positioning that allows her to intercept passes and disrupt opposition play
-
Dependable passing across short and long range to maintain possession
-
Calmness under intense pressure, preventing midfield chaos
-
Work rate and defensive responsibility, aiding both defense and build-up phases
-
Leadership through presence, helping organize teammates without needing to shout
Her intelligence and trustworthiness have defined her contributions more than flamboyant displays.
Achievements & Growth Milestones
-
Progression through state and national youth setups
-
Successful performances in national-level youth tournaments
-
Made senior international debut in 2024
-
Accumulated multiple caps in qualifiers and friendly tours
-
Key starter and stabilizer in IWL club squads
While still early in her senior career, Rimpa has made key strides and established herself as a midfield staple.
Off-Field Influence and Role Model Status
Raised in a small town, Rimpa’s journey resonates with young girls from similar backgrounds. Her path—from barefoot games in Murshidabad to national representation—serves as an inspiration and a reminder that with talent, guidance, and dedication, geographical constraints can be overcome.
Though she is not yet a fixture in major marketing campaigns, her grounded personality and growing presence have earned her invitations to youth football mentoring and grassroots projects in Bengal.
Earnings & Professional Outlook
Rimpa receives earnings through a combination of:
-
Club contracts in the Indian Women’s League
-
Match fees and allowances for national team duties
-
Local support programs or modest endorsements
Her current estimated annual income is between ₹5–8 lakhs, with significant potential for growth as women’s football receives wider attention and financial backing in India.
The Road Ahead
At 23, Rimpa Haldar is only beginning to make her mark. With consistent performance and continued selection for national camps, she’s on track to build a long-term role within India’s midfield setup. As club seasons and international fixtures continue, Rimpa’s reputation as a reliable anchor is bound to grow.
Looking ahead, she has the opportunity to become one of India’s most trusted midfielders—a player whose intelligence and calm control could define team identity. Beyond the pitch, her journey is an example of how humility, hard work, and clarity of purpose can pave a path to the national stage.
