India international Ngangom Bala Devi struck a hat-trick as hosts Sribhumi FC snatched full point from Sethu FC with a 3-2 victory in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 at the Bibhuti Bhushan Stadium on Sunday.
Nineteen-year-old Manisha, who is also a forward, was named the Women's Emerging Footballer of the Year for the first time and expressed her delight at being named for the honour.
Recently, Bala Devi became the first Indian woman footballer to score in a professional league in Europe when she netted against Motherwell.
Bala joined Rangers Women FC in January this year before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out to become the first Indian footballer to play in Europe's top-flight
Bala has so far played three games for Rangers FC before the novel coronavirus reared its ugly head and forced sporting activities across the world to virtually come to a grinding halt.
Bala Devi is among the leading players of the continent to join the Asian Football Confederation's #BreakTheChain video campaign against COVID-19.
Before Bala Devi, legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and talismanic skipper of the national team Sunil Chhetri have featured in this campaign.
The 30-year-old footballer from Manipur Bala Devi has so far played three games for Rangers F.C before the novel coronavirus reared its ugly head.
Employed with Manipur police as a constable, she credited her father for backing her all along.
Rangers FC announced the signing of Bala Devi from Manipur Police Sports Club, subject to international clearance. She will join the club on an 18-month deal
