Veteran India striker Bala Devi reminisces about being mistaken for coach

Longserving Indian woman footballer Ngangom Bala Devi shared a humorous incident related to her popularity recounting that fans in Nepal asked her if she was the coach when she arrived in the Himalayan nation for the SAFF Womens Championship despite being the leading striker of the national teamThe 34yearold Devi scored her 50th international goal to become the first Indian woman footballer to do so in Indias 52 win over Pakistan in a group match on ThursdayWhen 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 Devi told theaiffcomI 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 said the player who is often known as the goal machine of Indian womens football teamI 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 gameHer milestone was celebrated not only by Indian fans but also by local supporters at the Dasharath Stadium here as the crowd honoured her with a standing ovation after the matchAlso ReadBala Devi breaks barriers with 50 international goalsBala is not only known for her goals but also for creating history In 2020 she became the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract with a European club She joined Rangers WFC the womens team of the Scottish club Rangers FC marking a significant milestone in Indian footballI feel proud to score 50 goals for India It was a very special moment for me said the Manipuri player who had dedicated her 50th goal to her fatherTalking about the milestone goal she said Whatever strategy the coach and players decide for setpieces we stick to it Who takes the kick depends on the situation whether its from the right or leftAt 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 inAn emotional 50th International goal for BalaDevi_10 PAKIND SAFFWomensChampionship2024 IndianFootball pictwittercomKR0ZcGfYs7mdash Indian Football Team IndianFootball October 17 2024Bala was returning to action after nearly a 10month hiatus due to injuryrelated issues She was last seen in action during the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 against Uzbekistan in November 2023I 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 fitnessA 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 itBala said her time at Rangers taught her invaluable lessons in fitness and professionalismI had good experience in Europe Indian womens football is growing and we can see now players are going abroad to play after meAIFF 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 wayAsked how would she described her career in one word Bala said 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 easyWith agency inputs