Ngangom Bala Devi has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals. She achieved this milestone during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal, in a match against Pakistan. Celebrated by fans across India and local supporters in Nepal, this achievement has 0solidified her position as a legend in Indian women’s football.
Bala Devi’s Reaction to the Milestone
Expressing her emotions, Bala Devi said, “I feel proud to score 50 goals for India. It was a very special moment for me.” She dedicated this achievement to her father, acknowledging his influence and support throughout her career. “Everything I am today is because of my father. He taught me how to play and encouraged me to stay connected with the game,” she added.
Bala Devi’s Journey and Career
Bala Devi has been a part of the Indian national team since 2005. Over the years, she has participated in several international tournaments, including the Asian Games and the SAFF Women’s Championship. She has also played for clubs like New Radiant WSC, Rangers in Scotland, and Odisha WFC. Her time at Rangers marked her as the first Indian woman to score in a European professional league.
Bala Devi dedicates 5️⃣0️⃣th International goal to her late father! ♾️💙
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 18, 2024
Read more details here 🔗 : https://t.co/7LTwX6LGuQ#IndianFootball ⚽️ #SAFFWomensChampionship2024 pic.twitter.com/FoDlR5FEnT
The Match Against Pakistan
In the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, Bala Devi’s goal against Pakistan came from a set-piece play. Reflecting on the moment, she mentioned how her teammate Manisha supported her decision to take the kick. “Manisha’s pass was perfect, with spot-on accuracy, and the ball went in,” Devi recalled.
The Importance of Mental Strength and Support
After a recent injury, Bala Devi made a strong comeback. She emphasized the importance of mental strength and the support from her coach and teammates, which helped her regain confidence. She also spoke about her experiences in Indian and European football, highlighting the growth of Indian women’s football and the support from AIFF.
Bala Devi’s International Goals Mile
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 Oct 2007 | Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurgaon, India | Iran | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2008 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification |
| 2 | 13 Dec 2010 | Cox’s Bazar Stadium, Bangladesh | Bhutan | 1–0 | 18–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 7 | 15 Dec 2010 | Cox’s Bazar Stadium, Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | 1–0 | 7–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 8 | 17 Dec 2010 | Cox’s Bazar Stadium, Bangladesh | Bangladesh | 1–0 | 6–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 11 | 21 Dec 2010 | Cox’s Bazar Stadium, Bangladesh | Pakistan | 1–0 | 8–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 14 | 18 Mar 2011 | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Bangladesh | Bangladesh | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2012 Summer Olympics qualification |
| 17 | 14 Sep 2014 | Incheon, South Korea | Maldives | 3–0 | 15–0 | 2014 Asian Games |
| 19 | 13 Nov 2014 | Islamabad, Pakistan | Maldives | 1–0 | 8–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 23 | 15 Nov 2014 | Islamabad, Pakistan | Bangladesh | 3–1 | 5–1 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 26 | 17 Nov 2014 | Islamabad, Pakistan | Afghanistan | 2–0 | 12–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 30 | 19 Nov 2014 | Islamabad, Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 35 | 13 Feb 2016 | Shillong, India | Bangladesh | 2–0 | 5–1 | 2016 South Asian Games |
| 38 | 7 Apr 2017 | Pyongyang, North Korea | Uzbekistan | 1–4 | 1–7 | 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification |
| 43 | 29 Aug 2019 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | Uzbekistan | 1–0 | 1–5 | Friendly |
| 44 | 3 Dec 2019 | Pokhara, Nepal | Maldives | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2019 South Asian Games |
| 50 | 17 Oct 2024 | Kathmandu, Nepal | Pakistan | 3–0 | 5–2 | 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship |
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Summary
- Bala Devi became the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal.
- She dedicated this achievement to her father, who was her main source of inspiration.
- Bala Devi has been a part of the Indian national team since 2005 and has played in various international tournaments.
- She has played for clubs in India, Scotland, and Spain, making history by being the first Indian woman to score in a European professional league.
- After recovering from an injury, she credited her coach and teammates for helping her regain confidence.
- Bala Devi highlighted the growth of Indian women’s football and the continuous support from AIFF.
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Bala Devi is an Indian footballer known for being the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals. She has been a part of the Indian national team since 2005.
Bala Devi became the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship in Nepal against Pakistan.
Bala Devi has played for clubs like Manipur Police, New Radiant WSC in the Maldives, Rangers in Scotland, and Odisha WFC in India.
Her achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian women’s football, highlighting her as a trailblazer and inspiring future generations.
Bala Devi faced challenges like injuries but overcame them through mental strength and support from her coaches and teammates.
Bala Devi dedicated her 50th goal to her father and received a standing ovation from the crowd in Nepal.
Through her success, Bala Devi has helped bring recognition to Indian women’s football, encouraging younger players to pursue the sport professionally.