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Get to know... Astam Oraon
The Indian footballer (@OraonAstam) is listening to Nagpuri tracks, craving chilled pani puri and basking in her SAFF win
Currently I am
Back home after our South Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship 2026 victory.
High point in life
2022. I was selected for the U-17 FIFA World Cup and captained the team.
Low point in life
2024. I was injured while playing for the national team. But I fought through.
On my playlist
Nagpuri artists Vivek Nayak and Nitesh Kachhap; and Pehla Nasha 2.0.
One thing I would never buy
An intoxicant.
Last thing I ordered online
Shower gel.
Advice I’d give my 18-year-old self
Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to learn new things; we learn from our mistakes
My favourite subject in school
Social science.
I’d swipe right on
Honesty.
My secret skill is
I can cook really well.
A superpower I wish I had
I wish I could fly so I could get anywhere instantly.
My favourite Sunday memory
At hostel, I used to go out with friends and eat chilled spicy pani puri.
My plans for next Sunday
Spending time with friends; it’s been a long time since I met them.
My most star-struck moment
Meeting Puja Lakra, Global Tribal Queen India 2022, from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
My favourite bad habit
I love to sleep.
If I could travel forward in time
I’d want to glimpse my future to see the paths I’ve taken, the person I’ve become, and the dreams I’ve made real.
The best thing about fame
The roar of spectators filling the ground, match after match, lifting us with their cheers.
The worst thing about fame
Endless texts on social platforms and strangers asking, Where are you from?
