Ritu Porna Chakma: The star of Bangladesh's historic AFC Women's Cup qualification tournament

When the final whistle blew at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on July 2, 2025, the roar from the Bangladesh women's national football team could be felt across the nation. They had done it—secured their first-ever spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, to be played under the bright lights of Australia. In the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification tournament, the 2-1 victory over Myanmar wasn't just a win; it was a moment that united a country, sparked joy in every corner, and put Bangladeshi women's football on the global map. And at the heart of it all was 21-year-old Ritu Porna Chakma, a young woman from Rangamati whose two breathtaking goals turned a dream into reality.

A star born in the hills

Ritu's story feels like it was written in the stars, but it's rooted in the rugged beauty of Rangamati, where she was born on December 30, 2003. She fell in love with football in 2012, chasing a ball with the kind of joy only a kid can have. By 2013, at just 10 years old, she was already stealing the show at the Bangamata Gold Cup Football tournament, representing her school. Her quick feet, sharp passes, and fearless spirit made people sit up and take notice. Coaches saw something special—a spark that could light up the future.

Ritu didn't just play football; she lived it. By 2021, she was scoring for fun in the SAFF U-19 Championship, netting twice against Sri Lanka in Dhaka's Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium. In 2022, she stepped up to the senior team, helping Bangladesh clinch the SAFF Women's Championship. But it was 2024 that made her a legend. In the SAFF final in Kathmandu, with the game on the line, Ritu scored a dramatic 80th-minute winner against Nepal at Dasharath Stadium. That 2-1 victory wasn't just about retaining the title—it was about showing the world what Bangladesh could do.

Table: Career Summary of Ritu Porna Chakma 

Rising above personal trials

Ritu Porna Chakma's journey to football stardom is as much about heart as it is about skill. Born in Rangamati, Bangladesh, this 21-year-old winger faced profound personal challenges that would have tested anyone's spirit. In 2015, the tragic loss of her father, Bolaz Bashi Chakma, left young Ritu with the weight of supporting her mother, Kala Sona Chakma, and her family. Yet, even as responsibilities mounted, Ritu's love for football never wavered. Her determination only grew stronger, fueled by a promise to honor her family through her passion.

The pain of loss struck again when Ritu's brother passed away in a tragic accident. In a deeply moving moment during a match against Pakistan, she dedicated a goal to him, a testament to her emotional strength and the love she carries for her family. For Ritu, every step on the pitch is a tribute to those she's lost and a beacon of hope for those she lifts up. Her resilience has not only shaped her as a player but also inspired a nation.

The night that changed history: Bangladesh vs Myanmar

On 2 July 2025, Ritu Porna Chakma and the Bangladesh women's national team scripted a night to remember at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Facing a formidable Myanmar side—ranked 55th globally, a staggering 73 places above Bangladesh's 128th—the Bengal Tigresses took the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers by storm. The match was more than a game; it was a chance for redemption after Bangladesh's 5-0 loss to Myanmar in the 2018 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers at the same venue.

Ritu rose to the occasion with breathtaking brilliance. In the 19th minute, she seized a rebound from her own free kick and unleashed a thunderous angular shot from the top of the box, outwitting Myanmar's defense and goalkeeper to give Bangladesh a 1-0 lead. As Myanmar fought back in the second half, pressing for an equalizer, Ritu struck again. In the 72nd minute, her precise left-footed shot from the left wing soared past the keeper, securing a 2-0 lead. Though Myanmar's Win Win pulled one back late in the game, Bangladesh held their ground for a historic 2-1 victory.

Table: Stats of Bangladesh Squad in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification

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The win was sealed as Group C's defining moment when Bahrain and Turkmenistan played out a 2-2 draw later that day, confirming Bangladesh as group winners and earning them a coveted spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Australia. For Ritu and her teammates, this triumph was more than a qualification—it was a statement that Bangladesh's women belong on the global stage.

A legacy in the making

Ritu Porna Chakma's story is one of courage, talent, and unbreakable spirit. From the hills of Rangamati to the international spotlight, she has carried the dreams of her family and her nation. Her brace against Myanmar wasn't just about goals; it was about proving that no obstacle is too big, no opponent too strong, and no dream too distant. As Bangladesh prepares to take on the world in 2026, Ritu stands as the heart and soul of a team that's rewriting history—one fearless step at a time.

Kicking off with fire

The Bangladesh women's football team, with the unstoppable Ritu Porna Chakma leading the charge, has written a story that's got the whole country buzzing. Their road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 started with a bang on 29 June 2025, when they crushed Bahrain 7-0 in the qualifiers. Ritu got on the scoresheet, alongside her teammates Shamsunnahar J, Kohati Kisku, Tohura Khatun, Munki Akhter, and even a helping hand from Bahrain's Rawan Alali with an own goal. Then came the heart-pounding 2-1 win against Myanmar on 2 July 2025 a first for Bangladesh, stringing together back-to-back victories in the AFC qualifiers. Head coach Peter Butler, with his calm but firm words about staying grounded, has molded this team into something special. The Bengal Tigresses aren't just playing; they're rewriting what South Asian football looks like with their bold, attacking style.

Smashing stereotypes, one goal at a time

This qualification for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia isn't just about football; it's about breaking barriers. Bangladesh, the first South Asian team in 22 years to make it this far, has defied expectations in a country where women's football often fights an uphill battle. With young stars like Ritu leading the way, this moment feels like a turning point. It's a burst of pride for the nation and a loud message to every girl watching: you can dream big, and you can win. The Tigresses are proving that women's football in South Asia is here to stay, and it's only getting stronger.

Ritu, the heart of the team

As the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 looms, Ritu Porna Chakma is the name on everyone's lips. She's got that rare gift—thriving when the pressure's on, with skills that dazzle and a spirit that doesn't quit. With one last group match against Turkmenistan on 5 July 2025, the Tigresses are hungry to keep their fire burning and show Asia what they're made of.

Ritu's journey from the quiet hills of Rangamati to the roar of international stadiums is the kind of story that gives you chills. Her two goals against Myanmar weren't just about winning a game; they were about carving out a legacy. As Bangladesh celebrates this historic moment, Ritu stands as a symbol of what's possible when talent meets heart. She's not just playing for herself; she's lighting the way for a new generation of girls to run, kick, and dream without limits.