International Women's Day Special: 4 Indian women footballers who have made it large at the big stage

Indian women's football teamToday we are celebrating International Women’s Day. On this auspicious occasion we at Sportskeeda have decided to bring the story of the brave-hearted women footballers of India who do not usually get the attention they deserve. Unlike our men’s team, Indian women's football team ranks among the top sides of the world.Their current FIFA ranking is 53rd among 177 countries. Not only they have a commendable history behind them, they also have a promising future look forward.The Indian team had finished runner-up twice and third place once in 1979, 1981 and 1983 at the AFC Women's Asian Cup. In the 1980s, after FIFA took control of the Women’s football, India played an invitational tournament in Taiwan. The Indian women’s team drew against might Netherlands and Haiti but unfortunately lost to Germany. They had eventually finished 12th in that tournament.The tournament was considered equivalent to the World Cup as almost all the powerhouses of World Football participated. According to the results, India technically was, back then, the 12th best team in the World.It is true that the standard has deteriorated since then, but the Indian in recent history has won the SAFF Championship three times in a row, 2010, 2012 and 2014 where they practically thrashed every opponent they faced.Today we take the opportunity to highlight the names of four incredible women footballers who have held the tri-colour high at the world stage.

#1 Oinam Bem Bem Devi

She is at present the captain of our national side. Oinam Bem Bem Devi started her career at the U13 level for her state Manipur way back in 1991. After an impressive performance for the age group level she was soon roped in by a local side Yawa Singjamei Leishangthem Lekai club. At present she plays for New Radiant, one of the biggest football clubs in Maldives.

Bem Bem Devi made her debut in international football in 1995 at the age of 15 at the Asian Games. India did fairly well and Bem Bem had announced her arrival in the national with a strong performance. She has played 18 international matches and scored 11 goals. Oinam Bem Bem Devi has won the prestigious AIFF Player of the Year award twice in her career, 2001 and 2013.

#2 Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar

Kuntala (Left) was in charge of the Indian national side

Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar is a resident of West Bengal. She was one of the superstars of yesteryears Women’s football side. She was a part of the glory days of Indian Eve’s Football in the 70s and 80s. Ghosh Dastidar has also managed the national side in the past. She is one of the pioneers of Indian Women’s football in the country. She has suffered a lot due to the conservativeness of the Indians in the past but still somehow managed to uphold the image of the Eves in India.

According Ghosh Dastidar, when she was a teenager and was travelling with a local women’s side in the semi urban areas of Bengal, a mob of people had attacked them and protested against the women who play football. The scenario though has changed a lot in Bengal; the players still are regarded as the second class citizens. The women hardly can earn their livelihood by playing. She is one those brave hearted Indian women whom everybody should bow down to.

#3 Kamal Devi Yumnam

Kamala Devi Yumnam is an integral part of the Indian national football team, Women. She is predominantly a midfielder but because of her scoring ability she is sometimes used as a striker. She was born in Manipur, a state where both boys and girls are encouraged to play football with equal enthusiasm.

Kamala Devi currently plays for Railways club, due to her job at the Central Railways. The 23-year-old versatile footballer has been a part of the SAFF Championship winning Indian side in 2010, 2012 and 2014. She has the feat of scoring 5 goals in a single match against Maldives in the 2014 Asian Games.

#4 Tuli Goon

Tuli Goon hails from the state of West Bengal. She plays as a right back in the national team. She was a part of the Indian side in 2010 South Asian Championship. Also, Goon was a crucial member of the champion side in the 2010, 2012 and 2014 SAFF Championship. She is one of the finest defenders in India right now and a regular member of the women’s side. Tuli Goon has also leaded the national side previously.