Hailing from the small town of Bardhaman in West Bengal, where societal norms often discourage girls from pursuing sports, Aruna Bag’s journey is a testament to unwavering determination. Defying expectations, Aruna nurtured her passion for football and earned a place on the West Bengal Junior National team in 2019. Her talent caught the eye of Kickstart in 2021, and she quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. With Kickstart, Aruna has clinched three Karnataka Women’s League titles, her success fueled by the foundation’s unwavering support, providing her with training, nutrition, lodging, and comprehensive well-being. Aruna’s dedication and hard work have propelled her to represent Karnataka at the Senior Nationals twice, in 2022-23 and 2023-24. In 2024, her dream culminated in a well-deserved call-up to the Indian National Team, where she secured a regular spot. Aruna’s inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for young girls everywhere, demonstrating that resilience and the right support can pave the way for even the loftiest aspirations.