Sruti Chakraborty
AIFF Media Team

KATHMANDU, NEPAL: Often referred to as the "goal machine" of Indian women's football, Bala Devi, reached an exceptional milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to score her 50th international goal during the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal against Pakistan. Her 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. 

Bala 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 women's team of the Scottish club Rangers FC, marking a significant milestone for Indian football.  

After nearly a 10-month hiatus, Bala Devi rejoined the national camp to play in the SAFF Championship 2024. She was last seen in action during the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 against Uzbekistan in November 2023. Following her achievement of reaching 50 international goals, an emotional Bala Devi spoke with www.the-aiff.com, sharing her feelings about the milestone and opening up about much more than just football.

Excerpts:

Question: Bala, 50 international goals. How are you feeling?

Bala Devi: I feel proud to score 50 goals for India. It was a very special moment for me. 

Q. After the match, you said you wanted to dedicate your goal to your father. Can you tell us something about that? 

BD: Everything 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 couldn't stop crying. 

I missed him so much at that moment. The motivation to score that goal came from him and everything he taught me.

Q. Your goal against Pakistan was too good. What was going on in your mind? Did you know that you were going to score?

BD: Whatever strategy the coach and players decide for set-pieces, we stick to it. Who takes the kick depends on the situation, whether it’s 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. Manisha's pass was perfect, with spot-on accuracy, and the ball went in.

Q. Today is 2024, many people idolise you, on and off the field. How does it feel to be liked by so many people? That's why you are still playing. How does it feel?

BD: When 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. It’s a great feeling to play in a foreign country and gain new experiences in the game.

Q. You had a month-long break, and now you’re back. You dealt with an injury, but you’ve returned. How is your mental stability at this point? As a player, after being away for so many months, how do you feel coming back to the national camp, especially for such an important tournament like this?

BD: I 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 didn’t 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.

Q. You have played in the Indian football structure as well as in Rangers in Europe. What is your highest and lowest point? 

BD: I have learned a lot during my time at Rangers. How to stay fit, maintain professionalism, and had good experience in Europe.

Indian women's football is growing and we can see now players are going abroad to play after me. AIFF has also been very supportive, and the women's 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 way.

Q. If you want to name your career in one word?

BD: I call it "SHE POWER" because I work hard from morning till evening. I take care of myself and manage my household, it's all hard work. Nothing comes easy.

Q. Any message for the fans? 

BD: Keep supporting us. We will go forward as much as you support us.