New Delhi: Manipur born Indian football icon Oinam Bembem Devi, was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award, for her contribution to Indian football over the past two decades. She also became only the second Indian woman footballer after Shanti Mullick in 1983 to win the prestigious award.
The award, is given to a sportsperson for his/her excellence in the field of sports by the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of india. Having carried the responsibility Indian women’s football on her shoulders for the last two decades, Devi deservingly won the award. She also became the 25th footballer after Subrata Paul in 2016, to be rewarded with the honour.
Excited on her achievement, she hoped, that this will “motivate millions of girls to take up football.”
She said, “This is an award for Indian women’s football. It gives me immense satisfaction to see my name in the same list with the greatest Indian sportpersons across all fields. My sacrifice over the past two decades has not gone waste.”
“I need to thank all (my) team-mates, my coaches, AIFF and the entire football fraternity along with my family for their support,” she added.
The now 37-year old began her career in the United Pioneers Club in Imphal and also represented the Manipur state women’s football team, before making her debut for the country in 1995 against Guam at the age of 15.
The two time-AIFF Women’s footballer of the year (2001 and 2013) also captained the national team to victory in the 2010 South Asian Games and the SAFF Women’s Championship in 2012. The flag-bearer of the Indian women’s football team bid goodbye to international football after the 2016 South Asian Games in Shillong, having made a record of 85 appearances scoring 32 goals.
Often called the ‘Durga of Indian football,’ the former India international has been appointed as the manager of Eastern Sporting Union.
AIFF president Praful Patel congratulated the star on her achievement and was quoted as saying, “Bembem has been an inspiration to all women in the country. Her contribution to Indian women’s football has been exceptional. She deserves the award.”