From the narrow lanes of Kolkata to the national stage, Rinku Ghosh’s football journey is one of persistence, quiet strength, and determination. Now coaching the West Bengal Police women’s football team, her story reflects how women’s football in India is changing — still facing challenges, but moving forward with hope.
“When I started out, hardly anyone believed that women could take football seriously,” Rinku says. “It wasn’t seen as a career. Girls were discouraged, and there wasn’t much support. But I knew this is what I wanted.”
Growing up in West Bengal, Rinku fell in love with the game at a young age. With few resources and little acceptance from society, she began playing on open fields, often borrowing boots. Her talent stood out, though. She eventually captained Mohun Bagan and led them to their first-ever Calcutta Women’s League title — something she still calls “a special moment”.
She also represented India at the 2007 Pre-Olympic Women’s Qualifiers and AFC Women’s Asia Cup Qualifiers. Domestically, she played for top clubs and represented Bengal in more than 15 National Championships.
But moving from player to coach wasn’t easy. “I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Playing and coaching are two very different things,” she says. “But people like Niva Bhaumik and my inspector sir kept encouraging me. That meant a lot.”
In 2014, Rinku got her AIFF D Licence and began coaching the West Bengal Police women’s team. Back then, they had very little — almost no players or resources. “We had to start from scratch. But we didn’t give up, and over time, we started seeing results.”
Under her leadership, the team became a strong side at the state level. They finished runner-up at the State Games in 2020, won the Tejaswini Cup in 2023 and the MLA Cup in 2025. She also coached Adamas University to their first-ever East Zone inter-university title in 2024.
For Rinku, coaching is about more than just football tactics. “It’s about belief. Every girl, no matter where she’s from, should be able to dream big and chase it.”
Even while working full-time with the police, Rinku keeps pushing herself and her players. “Because of our jobs, we can’t always take professional coaching roles. But if opportunities come, I’ll definitely go for them.”
She recently joined a workshop organised by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS). “It was the first time such a workshop was held in Kolkata. I learned so much — modern coaching techniques, zone-wise training — things we didn’t know before. Coaches like Ian Law and Jaivardhan Sir were very helpful.”
Rinku now holds an AFC C Diploma and hopes to complete her B Licence soon so she can take on head coach roles at the national level. “I’ve already been assistant coach three times at the senior nationals. Now I’m ready to step up.”
But the memory closest to her heart has nothing to do with medals. “My mother had never seen me play before. The day she watched me score a hat-trick and lift a trophy — that was the happiest moment of my life.”
For Rinku, football is more than a game — it’s a lifelong commitment. “I’ve come a long way,” she says. “But there’s still so much to do. I want to see Indian women’s football shine on the world stage. And I want to be part of that journey.”
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news