Astam Oraon: From Injury to SAFF Champion & World Cup Dream. The Indian women’s football star, Astam Oraon, recently returned home after winning the South Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship 2026. Her journey has been marked by extreme highs and lows. The highest point of her life came in 2022 when she was selected for the U-17 FIFA World Cup and captained the team. However, in 2024, a serious injury while playing for the national team became her lowest moment. She fought through the pain and returned stronger.
Astam Oraon’s resilience is a key part of her identity. She advises her younger self to believe in abilities and learn from mistakes. Outside of football, she enjoys listening to Nagpuri artists Vivek Nayak and Nitesh Kachhap, and the song Pehla Nasha 2.0. Her favorite subject was social science, and she values honesty above all. A secret skill is her ability to cook well.
Despite the fame, Astam Oraon remains grounded. She loves sleeping, a habit she calls her favourite bad habit. Her most star-struck moment was meeting Puja Lakra, the Global Tribal Queen India 2022. If she could travel forward in time, she would want to see the person she becomes and the dreams she makes real. The best part of fame is the roar of spectators, while the worst is endless messages from strangers.
Astam Oraon’s story is a testament to perseverance. From a serious injury to becoming a SAFF champion, her dream now extends to the World Cup. She continues to inspire with her belief in hard work and honesty.