It’s always a proud feeling when Indian women achieve recognition for their hard work on a global platform. From PV Sindhu winning a gold medal at the World Badminton Championships to Anshula Kant being appointed the world bank’s MD to Aishwarya Pissay’s triumph at the FIM World Cup, our nation is filled with inspirational and fierce women.
And, now footballer Bala Devi has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to sign a deal with a foreign club. The Manipuri striker has bagged an 18-month contract with Scottish giants Rangers FC after successful completion of her trials with the club, reports News18.
Check out the team’s official announcement on twitter:
🆕📝 #RangersFC are delighted to announce the signing of @IndianFootball attacker Bala Devi, subject to international clearance.
➡️ https://t.co/Z6qojndUTv pic.twitter.com/A3QkfqAduS
— Rangers Women (@RangersWFC) January 29, 2020
The 29-year-old former Indian captain is one of the 14 players signed by the Scottish club. She currently holds a remarkable scoring record of 100 goals in 120 games in domestic football.
“I’m excited to get this 18-month contract and to play in the No. 10 jersey. For the Indian team too I played in the No. 10 jersey. That makes it doubly sweet,” she was quoted saying after her win by Times of India.
Congratulations to 🇮🇳 women's national team striker Bala Devi, who signed ✍ for @RangersWFC today on an 18-month contract! 🙌👏
We wish her all the best 💪#IndianFootball ⚽ #ShePower 👧 #BackTheBlue 💙 pic.twitter.com/ouXtcA72fL
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 29, 2020
“Now I want to do well over there and motivate youngsters in our country. I want to tell them that they can also dream big and play for top clubs,” she added.
Bala, who comes from Irengbam a village in Imphal, used to play football with boys as a child because she didn’t have any other choice. Eventually, a new ICSA club that started for girls in her locality, gave her the opportunity to follow play the sport. The passionate footballer then went on to play for the state team of Manipur and later joined the national football team.
A recipient of several awards at various stages of her career, Bala was a part of the first women’s SAFF Championship in 2010 where she scored 8 goals in 5 matches and led India to victory against Nepal. Due to her consistent great performances, she was also named as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Women’s Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016, reports Hindustan Times.
The talented player has also won the South Asian Games gold medal twice. Her selection in a foreign club is a milestone achievement for India and she is now the face of Indian football for women. She has become an inspiration for many youngsters who dream of playing the sport and making a name for the nation. Congratulations Bala, we wish you more success and spectacular wins in the coming years.