Energetic, intelligent, and dedicated—Ritu Porna Chakma is quickly becoming one of the standout names in the future of Bangladesh women’s football. As a midfielder, she blends creativity with consistency, making her an essential part of any team she plays for.
Early Life: Football Dreams from the Hills
Born on March 12, 2006, Ritu hails from the Chakma community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—a region rich in culture and increasingly passionate about women’s sports. From a young age, she fell in love with football, often seen with a ball at her feet on school grounds or village fields.
Coming from a remote area, Ritu’s journey to competitive football wasn’t easy. But her passion was undeniable. Supported by coaches who noticed her talent early, she gradually moved through the ranks of local and school-level competitions to national camps.
Club Career: Standing Out in the League
Ritu made her debut in the Bangladesh Women’s Football League, where she quickly made an impression with her tireless running, quick thinking, and calm ball control. Despite her young age, she showed confidence beyond her years.
She plays primarily as a central or attacking midfielder, providing balance between defense and attack. Whether it’s stringing passes together or recovering possession, Ritu does it all with consistency and intelligence.
National Representation: A New Face with Big Impact
Her consistent performances earned her a spot in the national youth teams, and she was eventually selected to join the senior national team squad. Ritu was part of the broader group that celebrated Bangladesh’s SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 win, marking a historic milestone for the country.
She has also represented Bangladesh at various SAFF and AFC youth tournaments, gaining valuable international experience and proving she belongs on the big stage.
Playing Style: Vision, Versatility, and Work Ethic
Ritu Porna Chakma is a complete midfielder. She can distribute the ball efficiently, press the opposition, and make clever movements off the ball. Her strength lies not in flashy moves but in doing the fundamentals right—every single time.
Key strengths include:
-
Excellent short passing and combination play
-
High football IQ and positioning awareness
-
Stamina and work rate throughout the match
-
Leadership on the field despite her young age
-
Ability to adapt to different game situations
Her presence in midfield often brings balance, allowing others around her to shine.
Career Highlights
-
Selected for Bangladesh’s national youth and senior team camps
-
Played in multiple international youth tournaments (SAFF, AFC)
-
Key midfield player in the Bangladesh Women’s Football League
-
Part of the squad that supported Bangladesh’s 2022 SAFF Championship journey
Ritu is seen not only as a young prospect—but also as a player capable of becoming a long-term leader in the team.
Salary and Earnings
As a developing footballer, Ritu Porna Chakma’s income sources include:
-
Match fees and club-level salaries
-
Stipends for national team training camps and competitions
-
Bonuses and government incentives for tournament participation
-
Occasional community-based support and recognition
While the financial rewards are still evolving in women’s football in Bangladesh, Ritu is part of a generation pushing the game into a more professional and sustainable space.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on the Prize
At just 18 years old, Ritu’s football journey is just beginning. But her goals are already clear and focused.
-
Become a regular starter in the senior national team
-
Help Bangladesh qualify for bigger tournaments like the Asian Cup
-
Serve as an inspiration for girls in the indigenous and hill communities
-
Lead by example both on and off the field
Ritu Porna Chakma is more than just a talented midfielder—she’s a symbol of progress, determination, and possibility. With every match she plays, she’s carving a path for herself and lighting the way for the next generation.
