New Delhi, Jul 20 (UNI) Manipur's jewel and India's National team
striker for women Bala Devi has been named
the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year, with young gun
Manisha Kalyan winning the AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year for 2020-21.
“I’m so happy to have won this award. A big thank you to the AIFF and all the fans for their support. I’d also like to thank my coaches --both at my club in Rangers, and the National Team, and also and all the coaches that I’ve played under in the past. A big thank you also to my family and all my teammates for all the support.” Bala Devi reacting to the award said.
“I arrived in Scotland last year, just before the global lockdown had
started, and acclimatising to any new place in such conditions has
been extremely difficult. But with their help, I have been able to
focus on the most important things, and keep myself on top
shape, both mentally and physically,” she added.
This marks the third time that the mercurial forward has won this
prestigious award, having previously won it two years in a row in 2014 and 2015.
Currently playing for Rangers Women's FC in Scotland, Bala made her debut for
the team in February last year and created history as she scored her first competitive goal for the team in December. She remains the first Indian woman footballer to sign a professional contract in Europe.
Nineteen-year-old Manisha, who is also a striker, was named the
Women's Emerging Footballer of the Year for the first time and
expressed her delight at being named for the honour.
She stated, “Thank you AIFF for choosing me for the emerging player of
the year award. This Award motivates me to push further to work harder
for my team and achieve our goals.”
“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of the
National team who taught me and made me capable enough for this award.
I would further extend my gratitude to my teammates without whom the
award couldn't have been possible. My family, my coaches, teachers – a
big thank you to all.”
A former India U-17 and U-19 international, Manisha made her senior
national team debut against Hong Kong in 2019 and since then, she has
gone on from strength to strength. She also received the Emerging
Player of the Tournament Award at the 2019-20 Hero Indian Women's
League, where she played a key role in Gokulam Kerala FC's run to the
title.
Both the winners were chosen by the National Team Head Coach Maymol
Rocky in consultation with AIFF Interim Technical Director Savio
Medeira.
Meanwhile, the AIFF Award for the Best Referee 2020-21 went to Tejas
Nagvenkar while. Sumanta Dutta was adjudged for the AIFF Award for the
Best Assistant Referee 2020-21.
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel in his message
said, "I would like to congratulate the award winners for the season
as Indian football continues to move forward together. They are
inspirations for one and all, and all of us are proud of them and
share the joy.”
UNI XC-PC RN