Bala Devi breaks barriers with 50 international goals

Bala Devi often referred to as the goal machine of Indian womens football reached an exceptional milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to score her 50th international goal during the SAFF Womens Championship 2024 in Nepal in a match against PakistanHer achievement was celebrated not only by Indian fans but also by local supporters as the crowd in Nepal honoured her with a standing ovation after the match as per the AIFF Media TeamWhen asked about her feelings on reaching this milestone Devi shared I feel proud to score 50 goals for India It was a very special moment for me read the statement by AIFFAlso Read Bala Devi dedicates 50th international goal to late dadDevi dedicated her goal to her father expressing the deep influence he had on her careerEverything I am today is because of my father He taught me everything since childhood from kicking the ball to scoring a goal He always encouraged me to stay connected with the game As I stepped into the field against Pakistan memories of him flooded back and I couldnt stop crying I missed him so much at that moment The motivation to score that goal came from him and everything he taught me Devi saidAlso Read Joga Bonito win womenrsquos beach football titleReflecting on her goal against Pakistan Devi revealed her thought processWhatever strategy the coach and players decide for set pieces we stick to it Who takes the kick depends on the situation whether its from the right or left At that moment I felt I should take the kick and Manisha came over and said Di you take it I asked her to just touch the ball and I went in for the shot Manishas pass was perfect with spoton accuracy and the ball went in she noted as per quoted by the AIFF Media TeamDevi who has been a part of the national team since 2005 reflected on her long career and the admiration she receivesWhen I arrived in Nepal many people recognised me Some even asked if I was coming as a coach Some players from another team still wanted me on the field as a player I started playing for India back in 2005 and while the atmosphere within the team has changed over the years the support and affection everyone shows me are overwhelming I feel proud to have continued playing for so many years and to still be loved by the fans Its a great feeling to play in a foreign country and gain new experiences in the game Devi remarkedAfter a monthlong break due to injury Devi made a strong return to the national camp She emphasised the importance of mental strength and the support she receivedI have been involved with football all my life so I know how to keep my mentality strong when I am injured And I always try to push myself a little extra during training sessions focusing on maintaining my fitness A lot of people have supported me along the way especially coach Santosh After my injury I didnt have the confidence to play but he created a comfortable environment in Goa that helped me regain it I am grateful to all the coaches staff and players for their efforts Everyone contributes from managing diets and training to the hard work put in by the young players Together we maintain a positive atmosphere and that has been my biggest motivation she saidDiscussing her experiences in Indian and European football Devi said I have learned a lot during my time at Rangers How to stay fit maintain professionalism and had good experience in Europe Indian womens football is growing and we can see now players are going abroad to play after me AIFF has also been very supportive and the womens department is putting in a lot of effort for us If this level of support continues we can achieve great things and go a long wayWhen asked to describe her career in one word Devi chose SHE POWERShe explained I call it SHE POWER because I work hard from morning till evening I take care of myself and manage my household its all hard work Nothing comes easyDevi concluded with a heartfelt message for her supporters Keep supporting us We will go forward as much as you support usWith agency inputs