India’s announcement as hosts of AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 a huge motivation: Bala Devi
Indian Women’s Team forward Bala Devi feels that the announcement of India as the hosts for the AFC Asian Cup 2022 has further motivated her to remain at peak fitness as and when she can hit the training ground once again.
The mercurial Indian striker is quietly working away at her own fitness at her home away from home in Glasgow, Scotland, where she also awaits the restart of the Scottish Premier League.
“There really isn’t a lot to do as of now, apart from train and keep yourself at the peak of fitness,” Bala said. “I was really excited when I saw India were announced as the hosts. It really is an honour to host such a prestigious tournament. It means so much for women’s football in India – the announcement has given us all that extra motivation.”
Bala has been altering her schedule as per the pandemic situation and has kept herself busy working on indoor exercises, yoga, or maybe going in for jogging at nearby parks while maintaining social distancing.
“Due to the current situation we are all doing our own individual practice and fitness,” she informed. “When the team does report together we will see what the plans are. I will train and play for my club Rangers FC once things open up after the lockdown and hope to be at peak fitness.”
With the addition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to the long list of prestigious international tournaments (AFC U-16 Championship 2016, FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2021) that India will be hosting, Bala feels that a lot has indeed mobilised on the football front in the country.
“As a footballer, you really can’t ask for much bigger platforms than to play a World Cup and an Asian Cup in your own backyard,” said Bala. “The U-17 World Cup is a terrific platform for the young girls, and I hope they come out of it with a lot more experience.”
“The Women’s Asian Cup will be the biggest tournament that we (the Senior Women’s Team) will play at home. I hope that the entire country comes out to support us,” she continued. “I am hoping these two tournaments will pump a lot of energy into Women’s Football. All eyes will be on the girls, and we need to give a good account of ourselves.”
Apart from preparing herself for the Scottish Premier League season and upcoming National duties, Bala Devi has also taken up her time to support children in need, back in India. With over 33 million children being affected by child labour, Bala has taken up the cause to raise funds with the help of which, these children will be sent to schools and not work.
“I have experienced how the lack of amenities and access hampers the growth of children and becomes a barrier in them achieving their dreams,” said Bala. “It is prevalent all around us and everyone knows it. No child deserves to have to do that,” she said.
“Children have their dreams, be it completing their education, or entering the world of sports. By sending them to work from such an early age, we only hamper that dream. I urge everyone to join in on this effort and help save our kids from child labour.”
Also Read: LOC FIFA and Govt. of Maharashtra discuss preparations for next year’s FIFA U17 WWC
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Second Half goals help IOT register a 2-1 win over Somaiya FC
India On Track picked up their third win in playoff to keep their dominance on the league table, as they defeated Somaiya FC 2-1 with a strong 2nd half comeback….
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC edge Hope United 2-1, moves to top of the Mumbai Premier League
In a highly anticipated match in the MFA’s Elite Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against KSA Hope United in a clash that promised excitement from the outset. From the get-go,…
Mumbai City FC U-19 punches ticket to the Mumbai Premier League
In a fiercely contested match at the Nevilee Dsouza ground, Mumbai City FC U-19 clinched a crucial victory over Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) in MFA Super League playoffs. The stakes…
India leave for Saudi Arabia to play Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifiers
NEW DELHI: A 25-member Indian Senior Men’s Team left for Abha, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, March 15, 2024, to play the away tie against Afghanistan in the Round 2 of the…
MFA Super League: Mumbai City FC U19 lift title, India on Track FC confirm promotion
A hard fought 0-0 result meant Islanders colts lifting the MFA Super League title while India on track FC had to content with runner-up position, both gaining promotion to Mumbai…
MFA Super League Playoff: MH Oranje FC U23 beat Om Saidham 4-2
In a thrilling six-goal encounter, MH Oranje FC U23 emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over OM SaiDham FC in a MFA Super League Playoff encounter The game held immense…
Feature / MFA / MFA Super League / Recommended
“I am genuinely satisfied with the boys’ performance” – Soccer Saga Head Coach Krupesh Sherwade reflects on club’s debut season
Having just completed their inaugural season in the MFA Super League, Soccer Saga’s head coach, Krupesh Sherwade convey satisfaction with his boys performance, sharing insights into the club’s journey this…
Mumbai City FC Announce Squad for Reliance Foundation Development League
The Reliance Foundation Development League’s (RFDL) 2023/24 is upon us, and, Mumbai City FC, who are raring to go, have announced their squad for the tournament. The RFDL’s Mumbai region…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…