Rupna Chakma Sets New Goalkeeping Benchmark

For a footballer, an unbeaten league season is a source of immense pride. For a goalkeeper, however, completing an entire league without conceding a single goal borders on the extraordinary. That remarkable feat has now been achieved by South Asia’s finest goalkeeper, Rupna Chakma.

Representing Rajshahi Stars, the reigning champions of the women’s football league, Rupna played nine matches at Kamalapur Stadium without allowing a single goal. This exceptional accomplishment earned her the Best Goalkeeper Award for the league.

Rupna has been Bangladesh’s number one goalkeeper for several years, both domestically and internationally. She boasts accolades from the SAFF Women’s Championship, having been named Best Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2024. In the 2022 edition, she conceded just one goal in five matches; in 2024, four goals in five matches.

In this league, Rajshahi Stars scored 90 goals in ten matches, with Rupna sitting out one match against Kacharipara, allowing national team’s second-choice goalkeeper Swarna Rani Mondal to take her place. In a couple of other matches, she was substituted late to give other players opportunities.

Rupna’s teammates included Shiuli Azim, Rituporna, Alpi Akter, and two Nepali players. While Rajshahi’s defence was formidable, pressure remained, especially against Forashganj and the Bangladesh Army, the two strongest challengers. Rajshahi defeated Forashganj 1–0 and Army 3–0 in key fixtures. Rupna also made several crucial saves, notably in the Forashganj match, and even saved the league’s only penalty awarded against her.

Born in Kutukchhari, Rangamati, Rupna faced adversity from birth, losing her father before she was born. The youngest of four siblings, she rose through immense struggle. Her football journey began at Ghagra School under coach Shantimoni Chakma. Originally a striker, Rupna accepted the switch to goalkeeper when suggested by her coach, recognising the role as one of immense responsibility: “A single mistake can sink the team, a good save can boost everyone’s confidence.”

Last year, she played in Bhutan’s league for Transport United, commanding respect as the team’s cornerstone in goal. Her ambitions are now even greater: “I would love the opportunity to play in leagues outside Bhutan and Nepal. My dream is to compete in a major Asian league.”

Next up is a mountainous challenge with the national team. Bangladesh’s women’s team will travel to Australia on 20–21 February to participate in the Asian Cup, facing powerhouses like China and South Korea. Undaunted, Rupna says, “I am ready. I will give my best.”

Rupna Chakma: Key Goalkeeping Statistics