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Bala Devi Becomes First Indian Woman to Score 50 International Goals

Ngangom Bala Devi, born on February 2, 1990, has etched her name in Indian football history by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals. Playing as a forward for the Manipur Police and the Indian national team, Devi’s journey reflects her dedication and significant contributions to women’s football in India. Her recent achievement was celebrated following a goal against Pakistan in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Indian sports.

Club Career Highlights

Bala Devi started her career in Manipur, where she showcased her talent from a young age, earning accolades at various youth tournaments. Her professional journey began with New Radiant WSC in the Maldives in 2014, and she later made headlines by signing with Rangers in Scotland, where she became the first Indian woman to score in a European professional league. After a stint in Spain with Málaga, she returned to India to join Odisha WFC.

International Achievements

Devi has been a vital part of the Indian national team since 2005, participating in numerous international tournaments, including the SAFF Women’s Championship and the Asian Games. Her performance in the 2014 SAFF Championship, where she scored 16 goals, earned her recognition as AIFF Women’s Player of the Year. Devi continues to represent India on the international stage, inspiring future generations of female athletes.

Personal Life and Impact

While balancing her football career, Devi also serves as a police inspector in Manipur, highlighting her commitment to both her sport and community. Her journey from local fields to international arenas exemplifies the growing recognition and support for women in sports, encouraging aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams.

Bala Devi’s international goals

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 Sri Lanka 1–0 7–0
8 17 Dec 2010 Bangladesh 1–0 6–0
11 21 Dec 2010 Pakistan 1–0 8–0
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 Bangladesh 3–1 5–1
26 17 Nov 2014 Afghanistan 2–0 12–0
30 19 Nov 2014 Sri Lanka 2–0 5–0
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
4 Aug 2019 L’alcúdia, Spain Mauritania 3–0 7–0 2019 COTIF Cup

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