Former captain and star striker Bala Devi has returned to the Indian women’s football team after a four-year hiatus, as the 22-member national squad for the upcoming 2023 Asian Games was announced. Bala Devi last played for India in the South Asian Games in 2019.
Bala Devi’s inclusion will undoubtedly boost the Indian team’s chances in the Asian Games, set to be held in Hangzhou, China. With her extensive experience playing for India since 2005, Bala Devi brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the team. In her international career so far, she has scored an impressive 36 goals from just 46 matches.
Notably, Bala Devi gained recognition when she signed an 18-month contract with Scottish Women’s Premier League club Rangers in 2020. She made history as the first Indian woman to play and score for a professional club in Europe. During her time with Rangers, she played nine matches and scored two goals. Unfortunately, her stint was cut short due to an ACL injury, followed by surgery, which required a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Bala Devi’s return to the national team comes after her recovery and participation in a national camp in Chennai, organized by head coach Thomas Dennerby. Moreover, she has signed a one-year contract with Odisha FC in the Indian Women’s League.
In the 2023 Asian Games, India has been placed in Group B alongside Chinese Taipei and Thailand. Bala Devi’s return will certainly provide a boost to the team’s attack and increase their chances of success in the tournament.
In addition to the Asian Games, the Indian women’s team will also be participating in the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, scheduled from October 26th to November 1st. The team is grouped with Japan, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the next round, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Indian women’s football squad for the 2023 Asian Games consists of a talented group of players across all positions. In the goalkeeping department, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Elangbam Linthoi Chanu, and Shreya Hooda have been selected. The defensive line-up includes Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Ngangbam Sweety Devi, Sanju Yadav, Ritu Rani, Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Dalima Chhibber, and Astam Oraon.
In the midfield, the team boasts Priyangka Devi, Anju Tamang, Indumathi Kathiresan, and Sangita Basfore. The forward line-up features Dangmei Grace, Soumya Guguloth, Manisha Kalyan, Renu, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Pyari Xaxa, Jyoti Chauhan, and Ngangom Bala Devi.
The coaching staff for the Indian women’s team consists of head coach Thomas Dennerby, coach Anthony Samson Andrews, assistant coach Maymol Rocky, and goalkeeping coach Ronibala Chanu.
