GUWAHATI: Manipuri striker, Bala Devi, became the first Indian woman footballer to bag a professional contract from Scottish club Rangers FC.
Bala, who hails from Irengbam, a village 22 km away from Imphal, is among a group of 14 new players signed by the Scottish club.
The 29-year-old, who is a former Indian captain, had earlier played in Maldives for New Radiant sports club.
“I’m excited to get this 18-month contract and to play in the No. 10 jersey. For the Indian team too I played in the No. 10 jersey. That makes it doubly sweet,” Bala told reporters after Rangers FC and Bengaluru FC made a formal announcement.
“Now I want to do well over there and motivate youngsters in our country. I want to tell them that they can also dream big and play for top clubs,” the two-time AIFF (All India Football Federation) player of the year said, as per reports.