International footballer now works in fields to make ends meet

There's nothing new in sports personalities, who may have made India proud by their performance at national and international levels, not getting their dues. One such case of Jhalo Kumari, an international football player is now working in fields to eke out a living.

Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): Jhalo Kumari, a woman hailing from Kadamdih village under Badkagaon block in Bihar's Hazaribagh district, who made a name for herself in the international-level women's football team, is now working in fields to make ends meet owing to the closure of sporting activities.

Jhalo represented India in several tournaments and played in different countries but she has no respectable job to lead a decent life now.

She is surviving by working in farms and doing odd jobs of cleaning and dusting in the neighbourhood. She is also working in the paddy fields to eke out a living.

Jhalo, who has played football matches in Brazil, France, Romania and Denmark, says that she loves her jersey and has preserved it carefully.

"Football has been my dream. I wanted to take it further but could not do much about it after my marriage. I have lots of dreams, but in such a gloomy situation, my aspirations have faded," Jhalo told ETV Bharat.

"It's invaluable and by asking about it, ETV Bharat has reminded me of my days as a player," she said.

Jhalo, who has requested the state government for a job, says she plays football with her children and husband.