Adrija Sarkhel is a standout goalkeeper in the Indian Women’s League (IWL), recognized for her explosive athleticism and remarkable mental toughness. Known as “The Flying Hawk,” she has built a reputation as a clutch performer who delivers in high-pressure moments, such as international penalty shootouts. Despite facing significant setbacks—including missing a home World Cup due to the pandemic and recovering from a major knee injury—Sarkhel has successfully returned to the top of the domestic game as the first-choice goalkeeper for Nita Football Academy.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Adrija Sarkhel
- Date of Birth: November 19, 2004
- Place of Birth: Chittaranjan, West Bengal
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Current Club: Nita Football Academy
- National Team: India (Youth International)
The Story So Far
Adrija Sarkhel’s football journey began in the industrial town of Chittaranjan, West Bengal. Growing up in a family where her father, brother, and uncle all played football, the sport was a natural part of her daily life. Interestingly, her first competitive sport was not football but sprinting. This background as a track athlete helped her develop the explosive speed and reaction times that would later define her style as a goalkeeper.
Her formal football training started at the Malbal Club under the guidance of Sanjib Sir, a local coach who recognized her talent and pushed her toward state-level trials. She eventually moved to the Kolkata circuit to join Sreebhumi Football Club. There, she was mentored by former Indian national team captain Sujata Kar, who helped turn Sarkhel’s raw athletic ability into professional goalkeeping skill.
Sarkhel’s rise was rapid, leading to her selection for the India U-17 national team. She was part of the elite group training for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the tournament to be postponed multiple times. By the time the competition finally took place, Sarkhel and her teammates had aged out of eligibility. While losing the chance to play in a World Cup was a massive blow, she showed her character by immediately shifting her focus to the professional leagues.
Her early career reached a high point during the 2019 SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship final against Bangladesh. With the match tied at 0-0, Sarkhel became the hero of the penalty shootout by saving the first kick, leading India to a 5-3 victory and a championship title.
In recent years, Sarkhel has played for various clubs across India, including the Indian Arrows, Misaka United, and Sports Odisha. After suffering a serious ACL injury in early 2024, she underwent a difficult rehabilitation process—often training alone with just a friend—to fight her way back to full fitness. Today, she is the undisputed number one for Nita Football Academy in the IWL.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Sarkhel’s playing style is best summarized by her nickname, “Uronto Baajpakhi” (The Flying Hawk), earned for her proactive and explosive approach.
- Shot-Stopping: She is an agile keeper who relies on powerful leg strength to make spectacular saves, particularly toward the top corners of the goal. Her recovery speed is elite, meaning she can quickly get back to her feet to stop second-chance shots.
- Sweeper-Keeper Role: Having developed in the Indian Arrows setup, Sarkhel is comfortable playing a high line. She often positions herself outside the penalty box to support her defense and help the team maintain pressure on the opponent.
- Distribution: She uses a combination of long throws and punt kicks to launch counter-attacks. She looks up to Indian international Aditi Chauhan and tries to use her distribution as an offensive tool.
- Psychological Strength: Sarkhel is a clutch player, especially during penalties. She uses a wait-and-react strategy in shootouts, forcing the kicker to make the first move before she commits to a dive.
Future Outlook
At 21 years old, Sarkhel is moving from being a young prospect to a seasoned professional. Her current form with Nita Football Academy, including match-winning saves against teams like Garhwal United, has placed her firmly in the conversation for a call-up to the senior Indian national team. To reach the next level, she is focusing on refining her footwork when under heavy pressure and continuing to command her penalty area against international-standard attackers.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
| Honour | Competition/Context | Year |
| Winner | SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship | 2019 |
| Runner-up | Karnataka Women’s League | 2022-23 |
| Best Goalkeeper | Karnataka Women’s League | 2022-23 |
| Winner | Kanyashree Cup (Bengal State Title) | Multiple |
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club / Entity | League / Competition | Status/Achievement |
| 2021 – 2022 | Indian Arrows | Indian Women’s League (IWL) | 6 Clean Sheets (Ranked 4th) |
| 2022 | Misaka United FC | Karnataka Women’s League | Best Goalkeeper Award |
| 2022 – 2023 | Sports Odisha | IWL / Odisha Women’s League | First Team Goalkeeper |
| 2023 – 2024 | Sports Odisha | Indian Women’s League | Senior Squad Member |
| 2024 – 2025 | Sreebhumi FC | Calcutta Women’s League | Return from ACL Injury |
| 2025 – 2026 | Nita Football Academy | Indian Women’s League | Current No. 1 |
