He would be proud of me today: Bala Devi dedicates 50th international goal to late father

India striker Bala Devi remembered her late father and dedicated her 50th international goal to him following the team's 5-2 win over Pakistan in the SAFF Women's Football Championship opener here.

The 34-year-old scored her only goal in the match in the 35th minute, with the other goal-scorers being Grace Dangmei (5th and 42nd), Manisha Kalyan (17th) and Jyoti Chouhan (78th) on Thursday.

"This goal is for my father. Though he is no longer with me, I know he would be proud of me today," said an emotional Bala to AIFF after the win.