It was 2001 when Bembem first bagged Footballer of the Year award. Come 2013, the footballer repeated the feat... Read More

NEW DELHI: It was a long wait for Oinam Bembem Devi . It was 2001 when she first bagged the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Women's Footballer of the Year award. Come 2013, the footballer from Manipur repeated the feat, with the award being reinstated by the federation after twelve years. "I could not believe it. I am very happy to win this award for the second time. 2013 has been a good year for me and the team," said an elated Bembem, in an exclusive chat with TOI. "Reinstating the award is a positive sign and would definitely help in motivating our young players," she added.

On the Indian women's team achieving it's best-ever FIFA ranking of 49, she said, "Our players work hard and our performance has been good. But we can't afford to get complacent." Devi, who has plans to retire in 2014 post the Incheon Asian Games, said she would like to become the coach of national team. "Coaching the team is my ultimate dream," said Bembem, regarded as one of India's best women's footballers.

The midfielder began her career with the Manipur team in 1993 when he was just 13. She went on to play for the senior India side by the time she was 15. Initially, her father was against her taking up the sport and wanted her to focus on studies. But things changed when Bembem scored a number of goals in the Bangkok Asian Games in 1996 which also earned her the 'best player' award.

Players like Bembem can take credit for the fact that a majority of the players in the national team are from Manipur. When asked about this scenario, Bembem said the main reason was job security which playing football at a good level provides to the youngsters in her state. "Education may or may not guarantee a job, but sport is a sure shot way of securing a job and that's why more and more Manipuri girls are taking up football."

Bembem, who has a keen interest in other sports like badminton, boxing and tennis, said there has been a marked change in the facilities for women footballers in India in the last few years. "During my initial playing days, there was not much money in the sport and the facilities were poor but now the situation has improved tremendously. The prize money is good and players have access to better facilities and infrastructure. We also have quite a few local tournaments in Manipur."

Bembem, who works for Manipur police , says football helped her in securing a job, improved her financial condition and brought her fame and recognition. She also praised AIFF for its support to women's football. "Money is not a problem now. We get Rs.600 per day now during camps plus they take care of our daily diet and nutrition requirements."

Bembem hopes to see the Indian team in the top 20 and qualify for the World Cup. But for that, she says, a lot more effort is required. "We need professional coaching, and better physiotherapists. We have a good team but we have requested AIFF for matches with foreign teams, so that we can test ourselves against the best and get to know about our true potential," she said.