Bala Devi, the striker of the Indian women’s football team, has brought great pride to the country with her outstanding performance. She is the first Indian woman footballer to play for a European club and also the first to score 50 international goals.
Born on 2 February 1990 in Irengbam, Manipur, Nangangom Bala Devi developed a passion for football from a young age, often playing alongside boys.
Bala Devi’s talent was evident early on. She has been a part of the Indian women’s football team since 2005. She has twice earned the Best Under-19 Footballer award. In 2010, she was named the Best Player in the SAFF Women’s Football Championship, an honour she received again in 2015 and the 2020-21 season.
She played a crucial role in leading Manipur to victory in the 2014 Women’s Football Championship, scoring 29 goals in seven matches during the tournament.
During the 2010 SAFF Games, Bala Devi scored five goals in a single match against Bhutan. She also significantly contributed to Manipur’s gold medal win at the 2015 National Games. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recognised her achievements by awarding her the Women’s Player of the Year title in 2015 and 2016.
When Bala Devi became the first Indian woman footballer to score 50 international goals, she dedicated this milestone to her father, who inspired and supported her football journey from childhood. Her father not only taught her to walk but also how to kick the ball, standing by her at every step. Unfortunately, he was not alive to witness this historic moment.
As the top scorer in the Indian Women’s League for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Bala Devi made history again in 2020 by signing with Scotland’s Rangers FC, becoming the first Indian woman to join a European club. She scored against Motherwell FC, becoming the first Indian woman to net a goal in a European league.
Bala Devi continues to inspire young women across India to pursue football, establishing herself as a role model and icon for aspiring players nationwide.
Leave a Comment