Born on February 10, 2005, in the remote village of Jambahar, Simdega district, Jharkhand, Purnima Kumari has carved a path from modest beginnings to the heart of India’s women’s football defense line. Her story is an extraordinary blend of grit, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Early Life and Background
Purnima lost her mother at a very young age and was raised by her father, a daily-wage laborer, and her elder sister. Growing up in a modest home without a television or even reliable electricity, her passion for football took shape on the dusty fields of her village. She began by playing with her brother and neighborhood kids, displaying natural talent and raw energy that quickly set her apart.
She was later selected to train at a residential girls’ football center in Hazaribag, where she began receiving formal coaching and exposure to structured training. This was the turning point in her life.
Journey Through Youth Competitions
As a teenager, Purnima represented Jharkhand in state-level tournaments and national school games. She also shined in competitions like the Subroto Cup and SAFF youth championships. Her performance and discipline on the pitch drew national attention, leading her to be selected for India’s U-17 and U-19 teams.
Club Career
Purnima’s professional club journey began when she was selected to play in Nepal’s Women’s National League with Biratnagar Metropolitan City. She then returned to India to join Sethu FC, a top-tier club in the Indian Women’s League (IWL).
Her performances with Sethu FC quickly turned heads. Solid tackles, smart positioning, and strong leadership earned her the Best Defender Award in the IWL for the 2024–25 season. She became an essential figure in the team’s defensive setup, often taking on the toughest opposition attackers with confidence.
India Senior Team Debut
In 2022, Purnima represented India in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosted on home soil. That experience helped her transition into the senior team with maturity and confidence.
She made her senior debut for the Indian Women’s National Football Team in 2025. Since then, she has earned multiple caps, playing crucial matches including AFC qualifiers and friendlies. Her contributions have helped solidify India’s backline with stability and resilience.
Playing Style and Strengths
Purnima is known for her calm demeanor under pressure, making her a reliable central defender. Her core strengths include:
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Exceptional tackling and interception ability
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Strong aerial presence during set pieces
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Composed distribution of the ball from the back
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Tactical awareness and ability to read the game
Coaches often praise her discipline and coachability, two traits that have fast-tracked her development at both club and international levels.
Achievements
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Represented India at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
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Made senior debut for the Indian national team in 2025
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Won the Best Defender Award in the 2024–25 IWL season
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Regular selection for national youth and senior squads
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Inspirational figure for young girls in Jharkhand and beyond
Endorsements and Influence
Though still early in her career, Purnima has already gained attention from grassroots campaigns promoting women’s sports. She is being seen as a potential ambassador for fitness and youth development programs in India.
As her visibility increases with continued national appearances and league performances, she is expected to receive more brand endorsement offers in the near future.
Salary and Earnings
Purnima earns through multiple channels including:
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Her professional contract with Sethu FC
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Match appearance fees and national team allowances
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Local-level sponsorships and promotional activities
While exact figures are private, it’s estimated that her current annual earnings range between ₹4 to ₹7 lakhs, with significant potential for growth.
Looking Ahead
At just 20 years old, Purnima Kumari’s future is as promising as it is inspiring. She represents a new era of Indian women footballers who are challenging odds, breaking stereotypes, and making their mark on the international stage.
From village grounds in Jharkhand to football stadiums across Asia, Purnima is not just defending goals—she’s defending the dreams of countless young girls who now believe they can follow in her footsteps.
