Bala Devi on fitting in, the lockdown and meeting Gerrard
3 years, 7 months ago

Bala Devi on fitting in, the lockdown and meeting Gerrard

Hindustan Times  

Bala Devi hasn’t been home in Manipur since leaving for Scotland in February, 2020. Shortly after signing for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1, Bala’s European sojourn suffered an early hiccup because of Covid-19. So I had to learn many things – even small things like they don’t say ‘yes’ but ‘aye’.” The best Indian player in women’s football over the past decade, Bala said she had to step up her game in the much more competitive setting of Scotland. Among her experiences at Rangers so far, Bala recalled that of former Liverpool captain and current Rangers manager Steven Gerrard coming to watch the team train and speaking to them over a video conference. While Bala prepares to help her team in the homestretch, she is also keeping a tab on the brutal second wave of Covid-19 in India, with her home state Manipur “I speak to my family every night, at around 10 to 11 pm Indian time.

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History of this topic

Back in India from Rangers, Ngangom Bala Devi hopes to lead India’s attack in Olympic Qualifiers
1 year, 10 months ago

Back in India from Rangers, Ngangom Bala Devi hopes to lead India’s attack in Olympic Qualifiers

The Hindu  

The Indian women’s football team last beat Nepal in 2019, when it secured its third consecutive gold medal in the South Asian Games. Bala Devi, with 52 goals in 58 matches, is India’s highest-ever goalscorer in women’s football. Trailblazer of women’s football in India In January 2020, Bala Devi scripted history when she became the first Indian footballer – man …

Bala Devi to decide on Rangers future after end of season
3 years, 7 months ago

Bala Devi to decide on Rangers future after end of season

The Hindu  

Bala Devi is back to making headlines. After becoming the first Indian woman footballer to score a goal in a professional European League, Bala’s 30-yard wonder goal last week has garnered global attention. The 31-year-old struck the stunning long-range goal during Rangers Women FC’s 5-0 win over Spartans FC in the Scottish Premier League last Sunday. READ : Bala’s Rangers …

Rangers FC’s Bala Devi reveals struggles during lockdown in Scotland, credits club for turning things around
3 years, 7 months ago

Rangers FC’s Bala Devi reveals struggles during lockdown in Scotland, credits club for turning things around

Firstpost  

Over the course of the past couple of months, Bala Devi has gone from strength to strength, and has become a vital cog in a Rangers side that is currently second in the SWPL table. Bala Devi, arguably India’s best footballer, had just signed an 18-month professional contract at Scottish club Rangers, and at the time, it felt like the …

Bala Devi Opens Up on Rangers FC Stint, Future in Europe and Missing Family Back Home
3 years, 7 months ago

Bala Devi Opens Up on Rangers FC Stint, Future in Europe and Missing Family Back Home

News 18  

Bala Devi has made headlines over the years for many firsts in her glittering career. At the end of last year, Bala again made history when she scored her first goal for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. They’ve also said that my 1v1 play is good, and my ball control is also decent,” she added. Rangers are second …

'2021 is Going to be Challenging': Indian Women's Football Team Icon Bala Devi
4 years ago

'2021 is Going to be Challenging': Indian Women's Football Team Icon Bala Devi

News 18  

Bala Devi arrived at Rangers FC in February 2020 in a historic move to become the first Indian woman footballer to have a professional contract with a European team. I was very inspired after seeing that.” On December 7, Bala scored her first goal for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League and all her hard work had come to …

Bala Devi's move to Rangers will have huge impact on next generation, says Ashalata Devi
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi's move to Rangers will have huge impact on next generation, says Ashalata Devi

Firstpost  

Earlier this year, forward Bala Devi became the first woman player from the country to sign a professional contract with a European club as she signed for Rangers Women’s FC, who play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. New Delhi: Indian women’s football team skipper Ashalata Devi feels her compatriot Bala Devi playing for Scottish giants Rangers will have an …

Bala Devi's move to Rangers an inspiration for next generation, says Ashalata
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi's move to Rangers an inspiration for next generation, says Ashalata

The Hindu  

Indian women’s football team skipper Ashalata Devi feels her compatriot Bala Devi playing for Scottish giants Rangers will have an immensely positive impact on the next generation seeking to play abroad. In a live chat with AIFF TV, Ashalata said, “Bala di playing for Rangers is a very big opportunity as it shows us the way to play abroad and …

Bala Devi's Move to Rangers Will Have a Huge Impact on the Next Generation: Ashalata Devi
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi's Move to Rangers Will Have a Huge Impact on the Next Generation: Ashalata Devi

News 18  

Earlier this year, talismanic Indian women’s national team forward Bala Devi became the first woman player from the country to sign a professional contract with a European club as she signed for Rangers Women’s FC, who play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. According to national team skipper Ashalata Devi, the move will ‘inspire’ the young generation of women footballers …

'True Example of Hard Work and Dedication': Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Finds Bala Devi Inspirational
4 years, 2 months ago

'True Example of Hard Work and Dedication': Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Finds Bala Devi Inspirational

News 18  

Arjuna awardee Gurpreet Singh Sandhu feels Bala Devi’s “path-breaking” journey can inspire not only the women footballers but also their men counterparts in India — all in an effort to take ‘Indian Football Forward Together’. Her path-breaking journey is not only a proud moment for women’s football in India — men footballers also can take a leaf out of her …

Bala Devi returns to action in Rangers FC's 5-1 drubbing of Hearts Women FC in Scottish top-flight competition
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi returns to action in Rangers FC's 5-1 drubbing of Hearts Women FC in Scottish top-flight competition

Firstpost  

New Delhi: Indian women’s football team forward Bala Devi returned to action in faraway Scotland, coming on a as a second-half substitute in Rangers FC’s 5-1 drubbing of Hearts Women FC in the Scottish top-flight. “But all those months of hard work paid off, and we have now started off with a win but this is only the start of …

Bala Devi returns to action for Rangers FC in Scotland
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi returns to action for Rangers FC in Scotland

The Hindu  

Indian women’s football team forward Bala Devi returned to action in faraway Scotland, coming in as a second-half substitute in Rangers FC’s 5-1 drubbing of Hearts Women FC in the Scottish top-flight. “But all those months of hard work paid off, and we have now started off with a win but this is only the start of a long season …

After Battling Loneliness in Scotland, Bala Devi Returns to Action for Rangers FC
4 years, 2 months ago

After Battling Loneliness in Scotland, Bala Devi Returns to Action for Rangers FC

News 18  

Indian women’s national football team forward Bala Devi had decided to stay back in Glasgow, Scotland during the worldwide lockdown enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Rangers Women FC got off to a flying start with a 5-1 victory over SWPL side Hearts on Sunday as Bala also made her return to the pitch, coming on as a second-half substitute. “But …

Bala Devi hopes to live up to expectations as Scottish Premier League begins on Sunday
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi hopes to live up to expectations as Scottish Premier League begins on Sunday

Firstpost  

Bala, who signed a landmark 18-month contract with Rangers in January, said after six weeks of intensive pre-season training, she is raring to go in the league which will be played behind closed doors. India captain Bala Devi feels the professional training she has received at Rangers FC has made her a better player and she is hopeful of living …

Bala Devi hopes to live up to expectations as Scottish Premier League begins on Sunday
4 years, 2 months ago

Bala Devi hopes to live up to expectations as Scottish Premier League begins on Sunday

The Hindu  

India captain Bala Devi feels the professional training she has received at Rangers FC has made her a better player and she is hopeful of living up to the expectations in the Scottish Women’s Premier League beginning on Sunday. Bala, who signed a landmark 18-month contract with Rangers in January, said after six weeks of intensive pre-season training, she is …

Bala Devi working on her fitness with Scottish Premier League on halt
4 years, 6 months ago

Bala Devi working on her fitness with Scottish Premier League on halt

The Hindu  

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the sporting calendar worldwide, Indian footballer Bala Devi is working on her fitness as she eagerly awaits the re-start of the Scottish Women's Premier League. Due to the current situation, we take care of our own practice and fitness,” said Bala, the first Indian woman to play in a top-tier European league. I hope that …

'You have shown the road ahead to budding footballers,' AIFF chief Praful Patel tells striker Bala Devi
4 years, 7 months ago

'You have shown the road ahead to budding footballers,' AIFF chief Praful Patel tells striker Bala Devi

Firstpost  

AIFF president Praful Patel has asked the country’s women footballers to take inspiration from Bala Devi, who excelled at Scottish Premier League club Rangers. New Delhi: All India Football Federation president Praful Patel has asked the country’s women footballers to take inspiration from Bala Devi, who excelled at Scottish Premier League club Rangers. “I am sure you will make others …

AIFF President Praful Patel Calls Bala Devi an Inspirational Figure in Indian Football
4 years, 7 months ago

AIFF President Praful Patel Calls Bala Devi an Inspirational Figure in Indian Football

News 18  

All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said all players should "take inspiration" from Bala Devi, who is currently on a professional contract with Rangers, the first Indian woman footballer to do so. Interacting with national team players across all age-groups in a video conference on Friday, the AIFF president told Bala: "We are extremely proud of your achievements. "On …

Transition at Rangers was easier than expected: Bala Devi
4 years, 9 months ago

Transition at Rangers was easier than expected: Bala Devi

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Indian footballer Bala Devi created history last year when she signed an 18-month contract with renowned Scottish Women's Premier League side Rangers FC. Having found that the transition into top-flight Scottish football was "easier than expected" the Indian path-breaker will next seek to "encourage" aspiring players back home to try playing in the demanding leagues abroad. Once I …

Bala Devi: Football has only one language
4 years, 9 months ago

Bala Devi: Football has only one language

The Hindu  

“Do you have Indian spices?” she asked the cashier of a Scottish grocery store in broken English. READ | Bala Devi signs for Rangers FC: A look into the historic transfer deal The storekeeper, a Punjabi-origin woman, did not know that her customer was Ngangom Bala Devi, India’s most prolific goal-scorer and current No. I pass when they say ‘pass,’ …

Coronavirus: Bala Devi extends stay with Scottish club
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus: Bala Devi extends stay with Scottish club

The Hindu  

Indian footballer N Bala Devi, the first to sign a contract with Scottish women’s Premier League club Rangers, has been forced to extend her stay with the team in Glasgow owing to the travel restrictions forced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 30-year-old striker does not have professional commitments right now after the Premier League was postponed till April 30 owing …

Indian striker Bala Devi says match-time for Rangers FC adding 'immense value' in quest to become better footballer
4 years, 10 months ago

Indian striker Bala Devi says match-time for Rangers FC adding 'immense value' in quest to become better footballer

Firstpost  

Bala went to Scotland as the top scorer for the Indian team, netting an impressive 52 times in 58 games since 2010, which also makes her the top international goal scorer in the South Asian region New Delhi: Indian striker Bala Devi says playing in the high-quality Scottish Women’s League is an opportunity she wants to “grab” and “make the …

Bala Devi makes Rangers FC debut in SWPL against Hearts Women
4 years, 10 months ago

Bala Devi makes Rangers FC debut in SWPL against Hearts Women

The Hindu  

India's Ngangom Bala Devi made her Rangers FC debut in the team's 3-0 win over Hearts Women FC in the Scottish Women's Premier League on Sunday. Rangers defeated Hearts 3-0 with goals from Megan Bell and Kirsten Reilly, kicking off its 2020 campaign on a winning note. Read | Bala -- who played 80 minutes on Sunday -- signed an …

'Everything's possible with passion and hardwork': Bala Devi on her historic move to Scottish giant Rangers
4 years, 11 months ago

'Everything's possible with passion and hardwork': Bala Devi on her historic move to Scottish giant Rangers

Firstpost  

Bala Devi is the first Indian women’s footballer to sign for an overseas club and she will be playing for Rangers in Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 It was in 2011 that two Indian players travelled to Glasgow to begin trials at Scottish giants Rangers FC. #ShePower #GoBlue #Girlsinfootball #GroundKnowsNoGender #grateful pic.twitter.com/sY0jAHrWVg — Bala Devi January 30, 2020 While Rangers …

Bala Devi to Rangers: A look into the historic transfer deal
4 years, 11 months ago

Bala Devi to Rangers: A look into the historic transfer deal

The Hindu  

Ngangom Bala Devi signed an 18-month deal with Scottish club Rangers Women’s FC on Wednesday, making her the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract. Bala’s case was also backed by the Indian football fraternity as All India Football Federation president Praful Patel, Indian women’s team coach Maymol Rocky, former Indian skipper Bembem Devi, former international Bhaichung Bhutia, …

Bala Devi makes history as lone Ranger in European top tier
4 years, 11 months ago

Bala Devi makes history as lone Ranger in European top tier

New Indian Express  

This makes Bala Devi the first Indian woman to be signed up by top-division club in Europe. Also, while in the past Indian players — men and women — found it hard to get play-time, she will be a vital cog in the side managed by Amy McDonald Mark Hately, a former Rangers striker and the Head of Club Ambassadors …

Scottish club Rangers FC signs India women's football team forward Bala Devi on 18-month contract
4 years, 11 months ago

Scottish club Rangers FC signs India women's football team forward Bala Devi on 18-month contract

Firstpost  

This will make Bala the first Indian woman to become a professional footballer anywhere in the world and she also becomes Rangers’ first Asian international footballer. Bengaluru: Renowned Scottish club Rangers FC on Wednesday announced the signing of woman’s national team forward Bala Devi, a first in Indian football. Also, this move wouldn’t have been possible without Bengaluru FC who …

Bala Devi signs for Rangers FC
4 years, 11 months ago

Bala Devi signs for Rangers FC

The Hindu  

Indian women’s football star Ngangom Bala Devi has become the first Indian woman to earn a professional football contract abroad after signing for Scottish giant Rangers FC. He could spot the talent in just 10-15 minutes.” READ | Bala Devi’s distinguished international career began when she was called up to the senior Indian team aged just 15. She was named …

Bala Devi Rangers trial will inspire many: Bembem Devi
5 years, 1 month ago

Bala Devi Rangers trial will inspire many: Bembem Devi

The Hindu  

As Indian women's team's mercurial striker Bala Devi flew off to Glasgow, Scotland for a week-long trial at Rangers WFC, the bigwigs from the Indian women's footballing community got together to wish her ahead of this crucial week. Bala Devi, who has been in the national team fold for some time now, has been handed a one-week trial at Scottish …

Bala Devi called up by Rangers Women for trials
5 years, 1 month ago

Bala Devi called up by Rangers Women for trials

The Hindu  

Indian women’s national team player Ngangom Bala Devi will attend a week-long trial at Rangers Women FC, which plays in the top division of Scotland. “This is great news because it shows people are following women’s football,” she told Sportstar. “I don’t know if Rangers will select me, but I am sure other good Indian women footballers, too, will get …

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