Former football player Oinam Bembem Devi, who has been the flag-bearer of Indian women’s football for more than two decades, receives the Arjuna Award for her best efforts and dedication in representing the country.
Bembem Devi is a 37-year old international football player who retired during the South Asian Games in Shillong, and has represented India in 85 games scoring 32 goals!
After receiving the Arjuna Award, she gives a speech where she dedicates her award to all the Indian women in the country who are battling stereotypical issues everyday.
#MediaWatch Dedicate my win to all the women of India : Bembem Devi @TheStatesmanLtd #ShePower #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/0NZ2Afg5h6
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 23, 2017
In her exclusive interview she states about her experience, where she mentions, “I dedicate this to all the women in the country who overcome hurdles every day in the sociological context to excel in their respective fields. This award is for all of them as much it is for my mom, all my teammates and coaches.
“I also need to thank AIFF for the continuous support, and I feel my award will encourage parents to send the girl child to play football as now they understand that you can win an Arjuna Award by playing women’s football in India.”Bembem Devi, has also secured a gold medal in Shillong in February 2015 where she represented India.
“After my initial retirement, I was floored when AIFF called me up and requested me to take back my retirement. ‘You deserve a better farewell’ I was told.
“I wasn’t sure, but they insisted. It eventually came when we won the SAF Games gold medal before a packed house in Shillong. I am not sure if this has ever happened in Indian football ever. Thank you AIFF for giving me the honour,” Bembem Devi said with an emotional appeal.
