Indian women’s team stars laud ‘Padma Shri’ Bembem Devi
India Women’s National Team stalwarts lauded former India captain Bembem Devi, who is fondly known as the ‘Durga of Indian Football’, as she is set to receive the prestigious Padma Shri later this year. She will be the seventh Indian footballer of all-time, and the first female player, to win the prestigious civilian award.
Current India captain Ashalata Devi, who was nominated for the AFC Women’s Player of the Year 2019 award, referred to Bembem Devi as ‘nothing less than badi didi’.
“She is and always will be my badi didi (elder sister). Bem di’s Padma Shri award is the true recognition of women’s football in India. My nomination in AFC and now, Bem di’s award summarises the fact that women’s football in India is growing and we’re on the right track,” Ashalata opined.
Bala Devi, who was the highest scorer in Hero Indian Women’s League for consecutive two seasons (2017-18 and 2018-19) having represented Kryphsa and Manipur Police respectively, mentioned that the veteran was the ‘coach-friend-guardian’ in the team.
“Bembem di has always been our coach-friend-guardian in the team. Whenever we have faced any problem, be it on the field or personal, she has been our one-stop solution. She deserves this award than anyone else and I really feel proud to have shared the dressing room with her. Thank you Bem di for everything,” the prolific scorer quipped.
Bembem Devi, whose international career spanned over two decades, hung her boots after winning the gold medal in South Asian Games in Guwahati, Assam in 2016.
Incidentally, defender Dalima Chhibber made her National Team debut in that tournament and she still remembers how helpful Bembem was during her early days in the Indian dressing room.
“I still remember how stiff I was during my earlier days in the Indian dressing room and how Bem di personally came to me and helped me get along with the team. Sharing the dressing room with the living legend is a huge honour for me and personally, it gives me immense pleasure to have heard the news,” Dalima recalled.
Meanwhile, Bembem added another feather to her hat when she won the Hero IWL title as a player-cum-coach of Eastern Sporting Union in 2017, being the first person to achieve the feat. Later, she was assigned as the assistant coach for the India U-16 women’s team for the AFC U16 Women’s Championship 2019 qualifiers in Mongolia. In 2018-19, she managed Manipur Police Sports Club in Hero IWL before managing her state team during the Hero Senior National Football Championship for Women’s in 2018-19.
Meanwhile, Dalima refers to her as the go-to person since long in spite of taking up coaching very late.
“Although she has taken up coaching of late, she has been there for us since long, our very own Bem di,” Dalima added.
Goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan felt Bembem Devi’s recognition will “inspire more girls to play the beautiful game of football more seriously.”
“It has been a huge recognition for Indian Women’s Football and given the fact that India will host the U17 Women’s Football World Cup this year, more girls will be inspired to take up football seriously. As I’m here in Bengaluru for Hero IWL commitments, could really notice how inspiring and motivating this has been for all the players here.”
She expressed how fortunate she is to have represented the national team alongside the living legend.
“Thank you Bem di for your support and being a true flag-bearer of Indian Women’s Football for so long. I am fortunate to have played alongside you,” Aditi added.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…