Renowned Indian footballer Ashalata Devi revealed her dream XI of Indian women's football players. Devi, who has been a cornerstone of the Indian national team for over a decade, selected a lineup of legends who have made significant contributions to the sport in India.
In an interview with AIFF, she said: “I'll make a line-up of senior players I've looked up to. At goalkeeper, I would put Roni ma'am (Ronibala Chanu), Tuli Goon at right-back. Romi Devi and Alochana Senapati at centre-backs with me. Umapati Devi at left-back.
“In midfield, Bembem Devi with Premi Devi. Sasmita Malik as the left-winger.
“Tababi Devi as striker. Prameshwori Devi on the right wing,” he added.
Devi, who is on the cusp of making 100 international appearances also outlines her future and said, “Obviously, I'll try to play for as long as I can. Honestly, there's nothing else I know apart from football (laughs). I really love football with all my heart. Even when I am injured, I continue to work hard and recover so I can get back to full fitness and enjoy football again. After retirement, I want to be involved with football. I'll continue to play for as long as I enjoy football and my body allows me to.”
When asked whom she would like to dedicate the 100th game to, Devi signed off by saying, “My mother has never watched me play live. I wanted to bring her for the AFC Women's Asian Cup match in Navi Mumbai but that couldn't happen because of COVID. So, I would like to dedicate this match to her. Also to my teammates, coaches and physiotherapists who have helped me in my tough times, physically and mentally.”