Ritu Porna Chakma is well known among women footballers for her dribbling and passing skills, which helped her become a regular member in the national age-group teams as well as the senior team.

However, the 18-year-old is not only a good footballer but she has also been playing a very important role in carrying her family since her father Bolaz Bashi Chakma passed away in 2015.

"I am providing money that I earn from football to my family. My sisters are also helping our family a bit. Out of the Tk 10,000 I receive every month from BFF football camp, I send Tk 7,000 to my mother and younger brother as my three elder sisters have already got married," Ritu told The Daily Star on International Women's Day. 

"I think it is a big achievement for me because I am helping my family financially at this age. My family feels proud of me," said the midfielder.

Ritu started playing football in 2012 and got momentum in 2013 when she represented her school in the Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament. She then got herself admitted at BKSP in 2016 before being called up for the national U-15 camp for SAFF U-15 Women's Championship.

Apart from proving a monthly amount, Ritu also stepped forward to help her family when she received bonus upon good results at international level. 

"A part of the bonus is spent behind the family's activities and the rest is deposited for my future," said Ritu, who is also earning money by playing in the Women's Football League. 

Though one of her teachers brought Ritu into football, her father – Bolaz – was the main inspiration for her.

"I feel really bad when I think of my father. It would be really great had my father watched that I am now playing for the national team," Ritu said.

Ritu has a desire to play in overseas leagues like her idol Sabina Khatun.

"I have a dream of playing abroad and I have to be good footballer to achieve that. I also want to take Bangladesh team to a higher level," said the girl from Rangamati.