'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
-
New Delhi, May 22: Indian women footballers Oinam Bembem Devi, Ashalata Devi and Bala Devi are all set to play for New Radiant Club in the Maldivian League.
The three will leave Indian shores on May 22 and will take part in the Maldivian League which runs from May 24 to June 6.
"I am on top of the world. This has been one of the best days in my life. I am excited to participate in this league as this will be a very new experience for me to play in a foreign league," Bala Devi was quoted as saying by All India Football Federation (AIFF) website.
"I think this exposure will evolve me into a better player. Although I am exuberant and jovial right now, I know playing abroad requires a lot of focus. Our participation in a foreign league will act as a beacon for Women's football in India," she added.
Participation in foreign league a salute to India’s women footballers: Bembem Devi
Bembem Devi, who has been part of the success of the Indian women's national team for nearly 20 years agrees that this exodus will act as a torchbearer for Indian women's football.
"Our participation in a foreign league is kind of a salute to all those girls who dream of growing up and playing football in India. This move will also convey the girls that if they work hard, dream big and believe in themselves, anything is possible.
“Moreover this will also inspire a number of girls to take up football and I think that is something positive for women's football in general," she added.
