Footballer Oinam Bembem Devi Recommended for Arjuna Award

The talented Indian footballer, Oinam Bembem Devi, is soon to add another feather in her hat. The legendary athlete is on her way to becoming the second female footballer to receive the Arjuna Award.

Devi, the industrious midfielder from Manipur, would soon don the hat of being the second woman footballer to achieve the feat, former national team captain Shanti Mullick being the first woman footballer, who had have won the accolade back in 1983.

In recognition of outstanding achievement, the selection committee on Thursday (Aug 3) enlisted her among 17 athletes recommended for the prestigious award.

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"Let me get the confirmed news first and only then I can give reactions," the player told Goal over the phone when asked about her recommendation for the award.

Devi also had a stint at the Maldives League.  A national level game of the Manipur U-13 team, at a sub-junior tournament, put her name in the limelight for the first time ever. She debuted for the national team at the Asian Women's Championships when she was only 15.

Devi has made India proud in international levels for almost two decades now. She has been instrumental in India gaining a position of a regional power among masters. In a country where athletes lack basic opportunities, she kept her mission on. Over the years, her determination and passion have led India to rule the national football scene and also scoring big in five international tournaments.

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Earlier this year, the footballer hailed for captaincy for the Eastern Sporting Union. She even guided her team to the inaugural edition of the Indian Women's League.

Along with Oinam Bembem Devi, another player from the northeast, Laishram Devendro Singh is nominated as well.

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