EXCLUSIVE: My trials in Europe will open the door for more footballers — Bala Devi

Seasoned Indian woman footballer Bala Devi Ngangom got a warm welcome by the top division club in the Scottish League football club, Rangers FC, for a week-long trial on November 19.

Reigning ISL champions, Bengaluru FC, through their partnership with Rangers FC, have facilitated the trial for Bala Devi with the Scottish giants. The club currently plays in the top-flight of the Scottish Women’s Premier League which comprises two divisions of eight teams each. Rangers WFC have finished fourth in the recently concluded 2019 season.

Speaking about the opportunity, the 29-year-old Bala Devi told The Bridge, "I have been playing for India since 2005, and I am utmost delighted by this opportunity given to me by Bengaluru FC and Rangers FC. I don't know whether I will be selected through the trials, but I will have the opportunity to learn the technicalities of the game from this historic club which is definitely going to help me step up my game to a new level. I wish to learn what extra Rangers FC put across on the field."

Bala Devi, who plays as a striker or an attacking midfielder, has to date 43 caps for the country and an impressive tally of 36 goals, having been called up to the senior side aged just 15. She also had a brilliant domestic career, racking up over 100 goals in 120 games. She has been the top scorer in the Indian Women's League for the past two seasons. She scored 26 goals for Manipur Police SC this season and led her state Manipur to win the Senior Women’s National Football Championship, topping the goalscorers' tables with 21 goals in five matches.

"Indian women's team has seen a lot of development in the past few years, and we are gaining the right exposure. We are going to Europe, we are playing against higher-ranked teams like our recent match against Vietnam, so these are basically helping us gain the right exposure," adds Bala Devi who have been an integral part of the team for a long time. India played two friendly matches with Vietnam at the beginning of this month, after 0-3 defeat in the first leg, India showcased resilience to hold the 34th ranked side to a 1-1 draw in the second leg.

The 2015-15 AIFF Women's Player of the Year credits plenty of changes over a couple of years for the development of football in India. The team that ranks 58th in the world today jumped six places to 57th in July this year on the back of some impressive performance. Since April, the team has played 11 matches, of which they have won four, lost four and drew three:

"We have a bunch of talented young girls who I believe are excellent players of the ball which is helping us progress. Besides the federation has helped us in different ways. Earlier we didn't have a physiotherapist, now since we have a therapist, we can recover from injuries fast, we have a nutritionist to help us guide through our diet. Now we also have a video analyst who helps us understand the opponents' game before matches. All these are helping us grow as a team.

Having represented India at both U-17 and U-19 levels, Bala Devi played a crucial role in the four SAFF Women’s Championship titles and two South Asian Games golds India have won. Despite seeing plenty of ups and downs journey, Bala Devi is encouraged by the progress of women’s football in India, and remains optimistic about the future. "India has hosted U-17 mn's world cup, next year we will be hosting the Under-17 Women's World Cup. These exposures are necessary for us to make our mark in global football. I also believe there should be more focus on the grassroots for women's football like we give importance to boys."

As much as she will give her best shot to make into the Scottish side, Bala Devi believes her trials at the Rangers FC will further open doors for other Indian women footballers to train in Europe in the future.