For the Women’s Football Team and their captain Vineeta Varapula, the stakes will be high this BOSM. Seven teams are expected this year, against last year’s three—significantly improving the quality of the competition. Vineeta however, seems unfazed by it all, coolly asserting that ‘whatever happens, the blame and responsibility will fall to her’.

Played in teams of seven with three substitutes, Women’s Football matches are 30 minutes long. The BITS squad consists four third yearites, three second yearites, and three first yearites. As there are merely two players from the previous BOSM, the team lacks experience, but makes up for it with their passion— with intensive practice sessions for almost every aspect of the game. While training, Vineeta prioritizes accuracy, followed by speed and tactical nous. ‘Whatever the strategy is, if you don’t have the accuracy and speed to match, it won’t make a difference’ she emphatically states. She also considers self-confidence crucial, given the fact that the team would face much more intensive competition this year.

Though the team emerged champions, the team did face hiccups last year. They lost their first match against Mody University – only to defeat them in a gruelling final. The team did not participate in outstation tournaments last year, due to the prior commitments of senior players.

Vineeta only started playing football in the previous year when her seniors—awed by her pace—persuaded her to join the football team. Having been a sportsperson, Vineeta admitted that it was a fairly easy job for her to improve her game. As a captain however, she knows that she has added responsibilities, but is confident to deliver her very best.

As a general message she urges BITSians to show up and cheer up for them, as this time around, they will really need it.