The trio of Indian Women's international Oinam Bembem Devi, Ashalata Devi and Ng. Bala Devi, has been invited to play for New Radiant SC in the Maldivian Women's League. The eves will leave Indian shores on today and will take part in the Maldivian League which runs from May 24 to June 6, 2015.
Talking exclusively to AIFF Media, one could almost sense the fusillade of glee in Bala Devi's voice when she started envisioning the next chapter of her footballing life. "I am on top of the world. This has been one of the best days in my life. I am excited to participate in this league as this will be a very new experience for me to play in a foreign league."
"I think this exposure will evolve me into a better Player. Although I am exuberant and jovial right now, I know playing abroad requires a lot of focus. Our participation in a foreign league will act as a beacon for Women's football in India," said Bala Devi, with a twinkle in her eyes.
The living legend that is Oinam Bembem Devi, who has been part of the success of the Indian Women's National Team for nearly 20 years agrees that this exodus will act as a torchbearer for Indian Women's Football.
"Our participation in a foreign league is kind of a salute to all those girls who dream of growing up and playing Football in India. This move will also convey the girls that if they work hard, dream big and believe in themselves, anything is possible. Moreover this will also inspire a number of girls to take up football and I think that is something positive for Women's Football in general," says Bembem.
Bengal footballer Kusumita Das is injured and unable to bear cost of medicine. So Tollywood stars arranged a charity match. The match itself was a tournament named "Chlish" which is an amalgamation of Chingri and Ilish.
In a move to increase popularity and participation of women in Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) kicked-off the first ever FIFA Live Your Goals at the new-look Cooperage in Mumbai on Sunday (June 28, 2015). This programme engaged more than 200 girls in footballing activities and is a step in the right direction for Indian football.Here is a report, courtesy a press release from AIFF.
"East Bengal club sources said Bhattacharya, 90, became the outfit’s first coach in 1961, and guided the club to the Calcutta Football League and IFA Shield titles that year" So does this mean 'first' team coach?
She trains two hours daily under the guidance of star footballer Sujata Kar who is proud of her charge and is hopeful of her future. The main impediment to Rakhi's dreams presently is the suspension of IFA women's league. The league has been on hold for the last two years.
Rakhi rues that after scrapping of the league, many of her former team-mates hailing from financially challenged backgrounds were forced to give up the sport as their only channel to earn recognition at the national level was cut off. Rakhi, herself has been able to keep up her practice only because of constant encouragement from her mentor.
Rakhi claims she and other players of the 12 teams that took part in the league, have no idea why the tournament was suspended. Even their practice sessions at Sports Authority of India's Eastern Centre ground were suddenly stopped. Rakhi, as well as other players desperately want the league to restart.
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Talking exclusively to AIFF Media, one could almost sense the fusillade of glee in Bala Devi's voice when she started envisioning the next chapter of her footballing life. "I am on top of the world. This has been one of the best days in my life. I am excited to participate in this league as this will be a very new experience for me to play in a foreign league."
"I think this exposure will evolve me into a better Player. Although I am exuberant and jovial right now, I know playing abroad requires a lot of focus. Our participation in a foreign league will act as a beacon for Women's football in India," said Bala Devi, with a twinkle in her eyes.
The living legend that is Oinam Bembem Devi, who has been part of the success of the Indian Women's National Team for nearly 20 years agrees that this exodus will act as a torchbearer for Indian Women's Football.
"Our participation in a foreign league is kind of a salute to all those girls who dream of growing up and playing Football in India. This move will also convey the girls that if they work hard, dream big and believe in themselves, anything is possible. Moreover this will also inspire a number of girls to take up football and I think that is something positive for Women's Football in general," says Bembem.
Rest in Peace Sushil Bhattacharya. The man who introduced women's football in India died due to old age (90)
So East Bengal never had a coach before 1961?
So does this mean 'first' team coach?
She trains two hours daily under the guidance of star footballer
Sujata Kar who is proud of her charge and is hopeful of her future. The
main impediment to Rakhi's dreams presently is the suspension of IFA
women's league. The league has been on hold for the last two years.
Rakhi rues that after scrapping of the league, many of her former
team-mates hailing from financially challenged backgrounds were forced
to give up the sport as their only channel to earn recognition at the
national level was cut off.
Rakhi, herself has been able to keep up her practice only because of
constant encouragement from her mentor.
Rakhi claims she and
other players of the 12 teams that took part in the league, have no idea
why the tournament was suspended. Even their practice sessions at
Sports Authority of India's Eastern Centre ground were suddenly stopped.
Rakhi, as well as other players desperately want the league to restart.