Women's Football
Last two decades have been nothing less than a dream: Bembem Devi
14 Feb 2016

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: An era comes to end on February 16, 2016 when the legendary Bembem Devi who has virtually been the face of Women’s Football in India for the last two decades takes the pitch for the last time when India face Nepal in the final of the South Asian Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. In an exclusive chat with www.the-aiff.com, the living legend emotionally talks at length about her experiences, nostalgia, India’s performance in the South Asian Games and a lot more. EXCERPTS:

20 years is a long time for any Athlete to be part of any sport on a professional level.

It looks like living a dream. I had never imagined that my playing career would span over two decades and here I am today. I want to thank the AIFF (All India Football Federation) for giving me the opportunity to represent the Country and all the Coaches who made me into a better Player. The last two decades have been nothing short of spectacular.

How has the journey been?

It has been a remarkable journey right from making my first appearance for India to bagging the AIFF Woman Player of the Year to coming out of the tunnel for my first professional match. It has been nothing less than stellar and full of memories. It’s been worth it and I would give anything to undergo all once again.

You will be wearing the India ‘Blue’ for the last time.

It will be an emotional experience wearing the Indian jersey for the last time. I will cherish singing the Indian National Anthem as a Player of the last time a lot. It will certainly be one of the best memory life has provided me with. At the same time, I will regret not lining up in the tunnel as a Player. The gravity of some moments is immense, moving and unpredictable.

How many memories are associated with Football?

Almost all my memories are associated with Football. Football has made me into a better person, in to a better human being. I don’t know where I would be if it was not for Football. I have lived for the game and it has repaid me with some of the best things in my life.

What next?

I look forward to Coaching. I have passed my AFC B License Course recently and am also a Grassroots Instructor. I hope to pass down whatever I have learnt in Football to posterity.

How has the fan support been in Shillong for the Women’s Team?

This is the first time in my life that I have seen such a stellar fan support for Women’s Football. It is heartening to see everybody, regardless of age, gender, creed and religion join hands and cheer for the Nation.

As a Player, you dream of playing in atmospheres where the crowd is your 12th man and the Shillong fans have certainly given us an edge over our opponents through constant cheering.

How would you rate India’s performance in the South Asian Games?

We have played quality attacking Football in the South Asian Games. However, we have not taken as many opportunities upfront. Moreover, every Team that we faced adopted a defensive stance towards us and that makes it all the more hard. Still, we have made it to the Finals and we look forward to winning it.

How do you reflect on Nepal as opponents?

We have already played a goalless draw against Nepal wherein we dominated the match. If we had took our opportunities we would have won and that is what we intend to do. At the same time we know Nepal are a good technical side and we respect them for their abilities.

It will be a fairytale ending to your career if India lift the South Asian Trophy.

It will be the best gift that I will ever receive. The Players in the squad have already told me that we want to win the Gold Medal for you and that in itself is reassuring. It will be an emotional and sentimental experience to end my career on a high note -- winning the Gold Medal for India.

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