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FIFA U-17 Women's WC is a perfect way to shine the spotlight on women's football in India, says Bembem Devi

FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022TM will be the perfect springboard for a constructive cultural change, says Bembem Devi

bembem devi

New Delhi, Sep 7: Former India women's football midfielder Oinam Bembem Devi is one of the biggest proponents of women's football in the country. Bembem Devi - who is also known as the Durga of Indian football - has expressed her jubilation as India gears up for the highly anticipated FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022.

The Padma Shri recipient from Manipur has expressed her thoughts about the upcoming prestigious tournament and said, "I am extremely happy that women's football in India is getting such a positive response from the people because of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022."

Bembem Devi, who is also an Arjuna Awardee, talked about the cultural shift towards women's football in India that is set to take place due to the mega sporting event, "The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 has shown to the parents that there are opportunities in India for women's football that can be explored and this tournament is the perfect way to shine the spotlight on women's football in India."

FIFA revokes ban on All India Football Federation, confirms India's right to host Women's U-17 World CupFIFA revokes ban on All India Football Federation, confirms India's right to host Women's U-17 World Cup

"When it was announced that the tournament would be held in India a lot of parents of female footballers from all over the country called and asked about how their daughters could become part of the Indian squad set to play at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 or get a trial for the team," she added.

Bembem Devi excited about U17 WC

While speaking about the potential of women's football in India, the 42-year-old football legend said, "This World Cup will definitely have a very positive impact on women's football in India as this will act as the perfect springboard for a constructive cultural change towards women's football in the country."

In her special message for the football fans and spectators in the country, Bembem Devi said, "I have a request and message for all the spectators that this is the first time India is hosting the U-17 Women's World Cup and the players could use all the encouragement and support of the fans so that the players are motivated to give their best on the field."

"I request everyone to come to the stadium for the games so that there is immense support for the young girls participating in this World Cup. We will be cheering the players on and showing our unwavering support for the team. I am sure that if we encourage the players they will give more than a hundred percent in the matches," Bembem concluded.

The U-17 Indian Women's Team has been drawn into Group A alongside Morocco, Brazil, and the United States of America (USA). The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2022 will be held in three locations - Navi Mumbai, Goa and Bhubaneswar. The Indian eves will play all their games at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Story first published: Wednesday, September 7, 2022, 17:35 [IST]
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