Ngangom Bala Devi, a prominent Indian women’s footballer, continues to make waves in the international football scene with her remarkable skills and achievements. As a forward for Odisha FC and the India women’s national football team, Devi has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Born on February 2, 1990, in Manipur, Devi’s passion for the game began at a young age. Growing up, she often played alongside boys, honing her skills and demonstrating her dedication to the sport. Her talent quickly caught the attention of the football community when she participated in the Under-19 Women’s Championship in Assam in 2002. Devi’s exceptional performance earned her the title of the tournament’s best player, an honor she received again in 2003.
Devi’s success continued as she represented the Manipur Senior Women’s Football Team in the Senior Women’s National Football Championship. In 2014, she played a pivotal role in helping Manipur clinch the women’s football championship, scoring a brace in the final against Odisha, which ended in a 3–1 victory for Manipur. Her outstanding performance throughout the tournament, where she scored 29 goals in seven matches, showcased her remarkable goal-scoring ability.
On the national stage, Devi has been a key figure for the India women’s national football team since 2005. She represented India at various levels, including the under-17 and under-19 teams. In 2010, she played a crucial role in India’s triumph in the first women’s SAFF Championship, scoring an impressive five goals in the opening match against Bhutan. Devi’s goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in India’s success, as they went on to win the tournament by defeating Nepal 1–0 in the final.
Devi’s achievements have not been limited to the domestic and international arenas. In January 2020, she created history by signing an 18-month professional contract with Scottish Women’s Premier League club Rangers, becoming one of the few Indian women to play professional football abroad. She made headlines again when she became the first Indian woman to score in a professional football league in Europe, netting a goal for Rangers in their 9–0 victory against Motherwell in December 2020.
Despite facing setbacks, such as an ankle injury that sidelined her for several matches, Devi’s determination and resilience have propelled her forward. Her contribution to the sport has earned her accolades, including the Women’s Player of the Year award by the All India Football Federation in recognition of her exceptional performance in the 2014 SAFF Championship, where she scored an impressive sixteen goals in just five matches.
Off the field, Devi has also been an inspiration. While pursuing her football career, she simultaneously worked as a policewoman for the Manipur Police, showcasing her commitment to both her sporting and professional endeavors. Her exceptional performance in football led to her promotion to the rank of Inspector in the Manipur Police.
In December 2022, Devi embarked on a new chapter in her career, moving to Spain for a training cum trial stint with Spanish Segunda Federación club Málaga. In 2023, she signed with Odisha WFC, a debutant team in the Indian Women’s League, further solidifying her presence in the Indian football landscape.
Ngangom Bala Devi’s journey as a footballer serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially young girls, in India and beyond. Her dedication, skill, and trailblazing achievements have undoubtedly played a significant role in advancing women’s football in the country, and her impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.
