Impressed with the performance and zeal shown by victorious YUWA India football team members, nurtured by an American, United States Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell visited the dusty village Hutup, some 20 km from here, and invited the tribal girls to her country. She also assured for all possible help to the team that has been deprived of even basic facilities at local level.
The Ambassador spent half-an-hour with the players hailing from Hutup and nearby villages and shared their views and experiences. She, on the occasion, was also informed about the ordeal the young tribal girls had to meet in the hands of local Government officials when they went to them seeking their birth certificates in order to get their passports.
Team members and skipper Rinki Kumari interacted and explained their daily routine that includes sports along with study. They were particularly vocal to the requirement for a permanent practice ground. The players also participated in a friendly match in her presence.
“I am here to congratulate them for what they have achieved and for their confidence. Eventually, they can come to the United States and we also are very-very proud of them,” said Powell while talking to the reporters on the occasion. When asked about any possible help coming from the Embassy, the Ambassador sounded affirmative.
The Yuwa team shot into limelight after it finished two international tournaments — Donosti Cup in Basque and Gasteiz Cup in Vitoria Gasteiz — in Spain recently. Among ten teams, 200 girls, Yuwa won third prize at the Gasteiz Cup.
“We have people here in the consulate and they would look into how to improve their skills and improve their abilities to come and play. We can also see how American players come here and play with them,” added the Ambassador who was accompanied by US consul general Helen laFave.
Also present on the occasion was Franz Gastler, an American national and founder of YUWA India who without having any professional coaching instincts identified the talent of th tribal girls and coached and encouraged them to play football. “I am very proud that the US Ambassador has come here. It has never happened in Jharkhand that any US Ambassador came visiting the State. It is happening for the first time. I am very happy that she came,” said Franz, who founded Yuwa, in 2009 to use football to promote health, education and a shot at a better life.
On the occasion, he also shared his pain for land not being allotted despite Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh’s keen interest and promises made to YUWA India. Contrary to November 12 fixed for signing a MoU between the State Government and the NGO no such agreement has seen the light of the day. Ramesh, following the success achieved by the team and knowing the ordeal the players are living with, had announced five acres of land meant for practice that is yet to be transferred on paper.
“I was told that a MoU was to be signed. I don’t know why it has not happen. The land has not been allotted to us yet. As per the understanding we are supposed to be provided a copy of the agreement by JINFRA so that we can study it before signing. I have also mailed to Jairam Ramesh in this regard,” Franz said.
He though looked impressed with the assistance coming from the Government in providing a bus for transporting the players and expressed hope that it would work with the team even in future.