NEW DELHI: An era came to end on February 16, 2016 when the legendary Bembem Devi who has virtually been the face of Women’s Football in India for the last two decades took the pitch for the last time when India faced Nepal in the final of the South Asian Games at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. In an exclusive chat with the-aiff, the living legend emotionally talks at length about her experiences, nostalgia, India’s performance in the South Asian Games and a lot more. EXCERPTS:
20 years is a long time for any Athlete to be part of any sport on a professional level.
It looks like living a dream. I had never imagined that my playing career would span over two decades and here I am today. I want to thank the AIFF (All India Football Federation) for giving me the opportunity to represent the Country and all the Coaches who made me into a better Player. The last two decades have been nothing short of spectacular.
How has the journey been?
It has been a remarkable journey right from making my first appearance for India to bagging the AIFF Woman Player of the Year to coming out of the tunnel for my first professional match. It has been nothing less than stellar and full of memories. It’s been worth it and I would give anything to undergo all once again.
It was an emotional experience wearing the Indian jersey for the last time. I will cherish singing the Indian National Anthem as a Player of the last time a lot. It will certainly be one of the best memory life has provided me with. At the same time, I will regret not lining up in the tunnel as a Player. The gravity of some moments is immense, moving and unpredictable.
How many memories are associated with Football?
Almost all my memories are associated with Football. Football has made me into a better person, in to a better human being. I don’t know where I would be if it was not for Football. I have lived for the game and it has repaid me with some of the best things in my life.
What next?
I look forward to Coaching. I have passed my AFC B License Course recently and am also a Grassroots Instructor. I hope to pass down whatever I have learnt in Football to posterity.
How has the fan support been in Shillong for the Women’s Team?
This is the first time in my life that I have seen such a stellar fan support for Women’s Football. It is heartening to see everybody, regardless of age, gender, creed and religion join hands and cheer for the Nation.
As a Player, you dream of playing in atmospheres where the crowd is your 12th man and the Shillong fans have certainly given us an edge over our opponents through constant cheering.
Ends
AIFF Media
India's iconic women's footballer Oinam Bembem Devi hanged up her football boots with a 4-0 win against Nepal in the final of the South Asian Games championship
An emotional Bembem thanked her teammates for giving her a fitting farewell as she hung her boots to mark an end to a career spanning more than two decades.
"My junior players promised me the gold medal and they kept their word. I am very happy," the most capped Indian women football player said after captaining the eves to an emphatic 4-0 win over Nepal to defend their football title in the 12th South Asian Games. "It looks like I am living a dream. I had never imagined that my playing career would span over two decades and here I am today. I want to thank the AIFF (All India Football Federation) for giving me the opportunity to represent the country and all the coaches who made me a better player. The last two decades have been nothing short of spectacular," she added.
