A talented athlete from Assam, who once brought pride to the nation by helping India win the SAFF Women's Championship in 2014, is now facing an uncertain future. Anjana Saikia, the former Indian national football team goalkeeper, has expressed her struggles and frustrations with the current state of her life. Despite her achievements in the past, she is now working as a football coach with the Assam sports and youth welfare department on a contractual basis, earning a monthly salary of Rs 20,000.
However, due to delays in payment, her actual take-home salary is significantly lower, around Rs 18,000, and is often paid after a year or even longer. Anjana has been working at the Kakojan centre in Jorhat for the past two years and has become disillusioned with her situation. She has even considered giving up on the sport she loves and looking for alternative work.
Officials said that the struggles of athletes like Anjana highlight the need for better support systems and compensation for sports personalities in the country. As Anjana navigates this challenging phase of her life, her story serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by many athletes in India after their playing careers are over.
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