Published 20:15 IST, November 19th 2019
Bala's 'Ranger's trial' in Glasgow - a huge deal: Bembem Devi
After Bala Devi has been selected for a one-week trial at Scottish giants Rangers WFC, Bembem Devi has said that it is a really great achievement for her.
They are among the biggest names in Indian women's football history - Bala Devi, a mercurial striker and one of India's finest finishers and former captain and legendary Bembem Devi. And it matters a lot when one hails other's achievement as a landmark and an inspiration for generations to come. As Bala Devi flew off to Glasgow, Scotland for a week-long trial at Rangers WFC, Bembem Devi termed it as a historic achievement.
'It is a really great achievement for her': Bembem Devi
“It really is a great achievement for her. Women's football in India is growing and the fact that Bala has got this opportunity is a huge deal, not just for her, but also for female footballers all across the country,” said Bembem.
Bala Devi has been selected for a one-week trial at Scottish giants Rangers WFC, whose best finish in the Scottish Women’s Premier League was a fourth-place finish in 2018. Indian women’s team's head coach Maymol Rocky lauded the move and said it was the result of hard work that the 29-year-old has put in over the years. “It is a great opportunity for Bala -- to go and play professionally at Rangers. It is the result of the hard work that she had put in over the years. It's really great for Indian Football that one of our players is getting the opportunity to prove herself at such a level,” said Rocky.
Ashalata Devi on Bala
India captain and center-back Ashalata Devi believes that such opportunities could really help the Indian Women’s Team and the players, especially due to the experience Bala will gain in Scotland.“Bala has been one of the best players in our team over the years, and she has continued to perform excellently on a regular basis. It makes me very happy to see her get this opportunity. I'm sure she will learn a great deal more there and, in turn, help the National Team perform better in the future,” said Ashalata.
Updated 20:38 IST, November 19th 2019