Oinam Bembem Devi, who has been working with the Manipur Police since 2000, has represented the Manipur state football team for the last 22 years. The Indian team’s most capped player, she made her international debut at the age of 15 against Guam in Asian Women’s Championships. Donning the number six jersey, her breakout performance came against traditional heavyweights Japan during the 1996 Asian Games.

She announced her retirement from the game in December 2015, and the AIFF (All India Football Federation) 21st Senior Women’s National Tournament was her last. She has now started several training programmes back home in Manipur, to streamline players to make it to the national team.

Oinam Bembem Devi’s Achievements:

2014: Signed by Maldives’ New Radiant SC in 2014, she emerged as the highest scorer, smashing six goals in three matches

2013 and 2001: Awarded by AIFF as woman footballer of the year

2012 and 2010: Led India to wins in South Asian Championships

1995: Made her international debut in the Asian Women’s Championships

1993: Became a member of Manipur state football team. Became captain