Asian Games 2023: Talismanic Bala Devi Returns As India Announce Women's Football Squad

25.08.2023 - 18:19 sports.ndtv.com

Former captain and star striker Bala Devi returned to the Indian women's football team after a hiatus of four years as the 22-member national squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2023 was announced in New Delhi on Friday.

Bala Devi last played for India in the South Asian Games in Kathmandu in 2019. The inclusion of Bala Devi will add a definite edge to this Indian team while entering the Asian Games 2023 to be played in Hangzhou, China.

Bala Devi carries with her rich experience of playing at the international level for India since 2005. The elite striker has so far netted 36 goals for India from just 46 matches.

Bala Devi's scoring prowess had earned her an 18-month contract with Scottish Women's Premier League club Rangers in 2020. She played 9 matches for Rangers and scored 2 goals, thus becoming the first Indian woman to play and score for a professional club in Europe.

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