Bala Devi Ngangom
Ngangom Bala Devi (born 2 February 1990) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Manipur Police Sports Club in the Indian Women's League and represents the India national team.[1] She hails from Manipur, where she began playing football at age 11, initially competing in boys' matches before joining the Imphal City Sports Association and debuting for the India under-17 team in 2005 at age 15.[2][3] Bala Devi rose to prominence as a key striker for the Indian women's national team, captaining the side for five years and becoming its all-time leading goalscorer, reaching the milestone of 50 international goals by October 2024 during the SAFF Women's Championship.[3][4] In domestic football, she has scored over 100 goals, including a record 26 in just seven matches during the 2018–19 Indian Women's League season, where she was the top scorer for two consecutive seasons.[2][1] Her career milestone came in January 2020 when she became the first Indian woman to sign a professional contract abroad, joining Scottish club Rangers F.C. on an 18-month deal facilitated by Bengaluru FC, during which she wore the number 10 jersey and aimed to elevate women's football in India.[2][3] Bala Devi has been honored as the AIFF Women's Player of the Year three times—in 2014, 2015, and 2020–21—recognizing her consistent excellence and contributions to the sport despite challenges in a male-dominated field.[1][3][5] Her achievements, including scoring in the 2019 COTIF Cup against Bolivia, continue to inspire the next generation of female players in India.[1]Background
Early life
Bala Devi Ngangom was born on 2 February 1990 in Irengbam, a small village in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, India.[6][7] Growing up in this rural environment, she was exposed to football from a young age, inspired by her father, who played the sport in the village.[7][8] She began playing informally alongside her elder brother and other boys in the locality, defying traditional barriers for girls in sports at the time.[8][2] At just 12 years old, Ngangom made her mark in organized youth football by representing Manipur in the 2002 Under-19 Women's National Championship held in Assam, where she was named the best player of the tournament.[9][10] She repeated this achievement the following year in the 2003 edition, showcasing her early talent and scoring prowess in local competitions.[9][11] Her parents provided crucial encouragement amid societal challenges for female athletes in rural Manipur, with her father actively transporting her to early training sessions and supporting her pursuit of the game.[12] This familial backing laid the groundwork for her development in a region where football is passionately embraced, particularly by women.[2]Education
Ngangom Bala Devi grew up in Irengbam village in Manipur, where she attended local schools for her early education. At the age of 11, she joined the local girls' football club ICSA, marking her entry into organized football training and participation in district-level competitions.[13] This early involvement in sports occurred alongside her schooling, as she completed her higher secondary education in the state. By age 14, she was playing for the Manipur under-19 team, showcasing her ability to integrate football training with academic pursuits during her formative years.[13]Club career
Domestic clubs
Bala Devi began her domestic club career in Manipur at the age of 11, joining the local ICSA club in 2001 and competing in district-level matches, which marked her entry into organized women's football.[13] She soon progressed to state-level representations, including the under-19 Women's Championship in 2002, before securing a position with the Manipur Police Sports Club in 2010, where she balanced her athletic pursuits with employment as a police officer.[14] This club became a cornerstone of her early professional development, providing a platform for consistent play in regional and national competitions. Devi's contributions to domestic leagues gained prominence in the Indian Women's League (IWL), where she emerged as a leading scorer, topping the charts in 2017–18 and 2018–19.[15] During the 2017–18 IWL final round, she played for KRYHPSA and netted 12 goals, highlighted by a four-goal haul in a 6–0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC that secured her team's group lead.[16] She also represented Manipur at the 2015 National Games, scoring the equalizer in the final against Odisha to help clinch the gold medal, underscoring her pivotal role in state success.[17] In recent years, Devi continued her domestic progression by signing a one-year contract with debutant Odisha FC ahead of the 2022–23 IWL season, where she scored 6 goals as her team's top scorer, and remained with the club for the 2023–24 season.[18][19] She later moved to Sribhumi FC for the 2024–25 IWL, delivering a standout hat-trick—goals in the 39th, 49th (penalty), and 65th minutes—in a 3–2 win over Sethu FC on March 16, 2025, which propelled her club to full points in a competitive match.[20] As captain of the Manipur state team, she led them to victory in the 2024 Senior Women's National Football Championship final, scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 win over Haryana, and continued in that leadership role for Manipur's triumphant 2025 edition, securing a record-extending 24th Rajmata Jijabai Trophy title.[21][22]Overseas clubs
Bala Devi's international club career began in 2015 when she signed her first overseas contract with New Radiant SC in the Maldives, becoming one of the earliest Indian women footballers to play professionally abroad.[17][23] During her stint, she contributed to the team's success in the FAM Women's Football Championship, helping secure the title that year. This move marked a significant step in her exposure to competitive football beyond India, though the Maldivian league's level was comparable to regional South Asian standards.[24] In January 2020, Devi achieved a historic milestone by signing an 18-month professional contract with Rangers FC in Scotland's Women's Premier League, becoming the first Indian woman to join a European club on a paid deal and the first Asian player at the club.[25][2] She made her debut in February 2020 during a 3-0 victory over Hearts Women.[26] On 6 December 2020, Devi scored her first goal for Rangers in an 9-0 win against Motherwell, a long-range strike in the 85th minute that etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to score in professional European football.[27][28] She added another notable goal in May 2021, a 30-yard stunner against Spartans FC.[29] Devi's time abroad was not without challenges, as she adapted to the significantly higher intensity, pace, and physical demands of European football compared to Indian leagues.[3] Her stint with Rangers was prematurely ended in 2022 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during training, requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation that sidelined her for much of the year.[30][31] Later that December, she traveled to Spain for a training and trial stint with Málaga CF in the Segunda Federación, alongside teammate Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, seeking to regain form and explore further opportunities in Europe. Despite these setbacks, her overseas experiences elevated her profile and inspired greater investment in Indian women's football.International career
Senior debut
Bala Devi Ngangom's entry into international football came at the under-17 level in 2005, when she made her debut for the Indian national team at the AFC U-17 Women's Championship held in South Korea.[32] Playing as a forward, she contributed significantly to India's campaign in the tournament, marking the beginning of her rise in the country's women's football setup. She transitioned to the senior national team in 2010, debuting during India's inaugural participation in the SAFF Women's Championship in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.[6] In this tournament, Devi quickly established herself as a key scorer, netting her first senior international goal on 13 December 2010 in a 18–0 victory over Bhutan, and ultimately tallying eight goals across five matches to help India secure the title.[33] Her explosive start underscored her role as a prolific forward, blending speed, finishing, and aerial prowess. Over the ensuing years, Devi's consistent performances led to steady accumulation of senior caps, reaching 58 appearances by October 2024.[3] This early phase solidified her position as one of India's most reliable goal threats, paving the way for her leadership and sustained impact on the team.[10]Key tournaments
Bala Devi played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the inaugural SAFF Women's Championship in 2010, scoring a hat-trick in the semi-final against Pakistan during an 8-0 victory that propelled the team to the final, where India defeated Nepal 1-0 to claim the title.[34] Her contributions included eight goals across the tournament, establishing her as a key attacking force early in her international career.[6] In the 2014 SAFF Women's Championship, Devi's exceptional performance led India to a third consecutive title, highlighted by a 6-0 final win over Nepal in which she scored four goals.[35] She netted 16 goals in just five matches, a tournament record that earned her the AIFF Women's Player of the Year award for her leadership and scoring prowess.[36] Devi assumed the captaincy for the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship, guiding India to another victory and securing her first title as leader of the team.[7] Her tactical acumen and on-field presence were instrumental in the campaign, reinforcing India's dominance in South Asian women's football. At the 2016 South Asian Games, Devi contributed three goals across five matches, including strikes in the semi-final against Bangladesh, as India clinched gold with a 4-0 final win over Nepal.[37] She repeated her medal-winning impact at the 2019 South Asian Games, scoring a brace in the 2-0 final victory against Nepal to secure India's third consecutive gold.[38] Devi featured prominently in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, including the successful 2025 campaign for the 2026 edition, where India qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2003 with a 2-1 victory over Thailand in the decisive match.[39] Her experience helped anchor the attack during the qualifiers, which included emphatic wins like 13-0 over Mongolia and 5-0 against Iraq.[40][41] In the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship, Devi etched her name in history by scoring her 50th international goal in a 5-2 group-stage win over Pakistan, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the milestone and dedicating it to her late father.[42] Although India exited in the semi-finals via penalties against Nepal, her leadership continued to inspire the squad.[43]Statistics and records
International statistics
Ngangom Bala Devi holds the record as the all-time top scorer for the India women's national football team, achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to score 50 international goals on October 17, 2024, during a 5-2 victory over Pakistan in the SAFF Women's Championship.[44] This accomplishment underscores her pivotal role in elevating Indian women's football on the regional stage. As of her last appearance in October 2024, she has represented India in over 70 senior international matches. Devi's goals are distributed across various competitions, with a significant portion coming from SAFF events, where she has been a prolific scorer, including 16 goals in the 2014 edition alone.[33] She has also contributed in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Asian Games, South Asian Games, and friendlies, demonstrating versatility against diverse opponents. The following table highlights selected international goals by Devi, illustrating her scoring progression by date, opponent, scoreline, and competition:| No. | Date | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 Oct 2007 | Iran | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2008 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification |
| 2 | 13 Dec 2010 | Bhutan | 1–0 | 18–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 7 | 15 Dec 2010 | Sri Lanka | 1–0 | 7–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 8 | 17 Dec 2010 | Bangladesh | 1–0 | 6–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 11 | 21 Dec 2010 | Pakistan | 1–0 | 8–0 | 2010 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 14 | 18 Mar 2011 | Bangladesh | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2012 Summer Olympics qualification |
| 17 | 14 Sep 2014 | Maldives | 3–0 | 15–0 | 2014 Asian Games |
| 19 | 13 Nov 2014 | Maldives | 1–0 | 8–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 23 | 15 Nov 2014 | Bangladesh | 3–1 | 5–1 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 26 | 17 Nov 2014 | Afghanistan | 2–0 | 12–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 30 | 19 Nov 2014 | Sri Lanka | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship |
| 35 | 13 Feb 2016 | Bangladesh | 2–0 | 5–1 | 2016 South Asian Games |
| 38 | 7 Apr 2017 | Uzbekistan | 1–4 | 1–7 | 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification |
| 43 | 29 Aug 2019 | Uzbekistan | 1–0 | 1–5 | Friendly |
| 44 | 3 Dec 2019 | Maldives | 2–0 | 5–0 | 2019 South Asian Games |
| 50 | 17 Oct 2024 | Pakistan | 3–0 | 5–2 | 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship |
Club statistics
Bala Devi has amassed over 100 goals across her domestic club career, highlighting her dominance in Indian women's football.[2] She has been a standout performer in the Indian Women's League (IWL), serving as top scorer on multiple occasions, including a record-breaking 26 goals in just 7 appearances during the 2018–19 season with Manipur Police Sporting Club.[45] The following year, she contributed 22 goals for the same club in the IWL.[46] In the 2023–24 Senior Women's National Championship, representing Manipur, she emerged as the leading goalscorer with 16 goals, aiding her team's success.[47] Her domestic tally underscores her role as a key contributor to club titles and individual accolades. Overseas, Bala Devi made history as the first Indian woman to play professionally abroad. In 2015, she joined New Radiant SC in the Maldives, where she captained the side to the national championship and was named the tournament's top scorer. During the 2020–21 season with Rangers FC in the Scottish Women's Premier League, she scored 3 goals.[48] More recently, in the 2024–25 IWL with Sreebhumi FC, she netted 7 goals, continuing her scoring prowess.[49] The following tables summarize her key club statistics, focusing on major competitions and seasons.Domestic Clubs
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Manipur Police SC | Indian Women's League | 7 | 26 |
| 2019 | Manipur Police SC | Indian Women's League | N/A | 22 |
| 2023–24 | Manipur | Senior Women's National Championship | N/A | 16 |
| 2024–25 | Sreebhumi FC | Indian Women's League | N/A | 7 |
Overseas Clubs
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | New Radiant SC | FAM Women's Football Championship | N/A | N/A |
| 2020–21 | Rangers FC | Scottish Women's Premier League | N/A | 3 |
Personal life and legacy
Personal life
Ngangom Bala Devi joined the Manipur Police in 2010 as a sportswoman, balancing her football career with duties in the force.[2] She was promoted to the rank of Inspector in December 2020 in recognition of her contributions to sports, and formally took charge of her new role in January 2023.[50][51] Born in 1990 in Bishnupur district, Manipur, as the youngest of four siblings to a former footballer father, Devi grew up in a family where her twin sister and elder brother also played the sport recreationally.[3][12] However, she is the only one who pursued it professionally. Devi has remained unmarried, prioritizing her football career and stating that her parents have supported this focus without pressuring her on marriage.[52] Devi has been vocal in advocating for women's sports development in India, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and opportunities, particularly in Manipur where female athletes face societal barriers.[13] In June 2023, amid ethnic unrest in Manipur, she publicly expressed sorrow over the violence's disruption to athletes' lives and training, urging all communities to restore peace to safeguard sporting activities.[53] In 2021, Devi suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing abroad, requiring surgery that sidelined her for nearly a year.[54] This injury prevented her participation in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, a significant setback for both her recovery and the national team.[55]Honours and awards
Bala Devi Ngangom has received numerous individual accolades and contributed to several team successes throughout her career, highlighting her role as a pioneering figure in Indian women's football. Her achievements include multiple AIFF Women's Player of the Year awards, state-level honors, and records that underscore her scoring prowess and trailblazing professional milestones.[56][45]Individual Awards
- AIFF Women's Player of the Year: 2014, 2015, 2020–21.[45][56]
- Swarnalata Award for Best Sportsperson of the Year (Manipur): 2017–18.[57]
- Indian Women's League Top Scorer: 2017–18 (12 goals with KRYPHSA), 2018–19 (26 goals with Manipur Police SC).[58][45]
International Team Honours
- SAFF Women's Championship: 2010, 2014, 2016 (with India national team).[59]
- South Asian Games Gold Medal: 2016, 2019 (with India national team).[6]
Domestic Team Honours
- National Games Gold Medal: 2015 (with Manipur).[17]
- Senior Women's National Football Championship (Rajmata Jijabai Trophy): 2014, 2019 (20th title for Manipur), 2023–24, 2025 (24th title for Manipur) (with Manipur).[60][61]