Mary Kom a big source of inspiration for me: Bala Devi

Star Indian lady footballer Bala Devi says she took inspiration from boxing legend Mary Kom, who achieved unprecedented success as a sportsperson regardless of having humble roots.

Bala, the primary Indian lady to play skilled soccer in a top-flight league in Europe, talked about an interplay with the six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom in the course of the 2014 Asian Games.

“Mary Kom is a big source of inspiration for me. She came from such humble beginnings and through her hard work, she broke so many records. Even after becoming a mother, she continues to break records and win laurels for the country,” Bala stated.

“We interacted at the Asian Games in 2014 and watched her train. She is a very friendly person and also supported us during our games,” Bala advised AIFF TV.

Bala lately scored her first aim for the Rangers FC within the Scottish Women’s Premier League in a 9-Zero decimation of Motherwell FC. She signed an 18-month contract with Rangers in January.

“After the goal, a lot of people wished me and many were talking and writing about it, which made me feel very proud. After that, I was nominated for the AFC Player of the Week and seeing my name on the list alongside such icons made me happy,” she stated.

“I just want everyone to continue supporting us so we can keep achieving bigger things for the country in the future,” the 30-year-old stated.

Bala was named as a nominee for the AFC International Player of the Week alongside star gamers akin to Iran’s Sardar Azmoun, Korea Republic’s Son Heung-min and Japanese icon Saki Kumagai.

“Ever since I gave my trials at this club (Rangers), I wanted to inspire every Indian player back home. I have wanted to be an inspiration for all the girls and young players in India who want to play internationally. “It is something that has always been on my mind and I take it into account every time I step on to the pitch,” she stated.

She stated the worldwide publicity offered by the All India Football Federation has performed a key function in her improvement.

“The AIFF gave us so many international exposure tours, I gained a lot of experience of playing against European teams and I realised that I can play and compete with them,” quipped Bala.