My father motivates me everyday- Sweety Devi

The lanky defender has cemented her place in Maymol Rocky's starting XI.

It isn’t uncommon to find a rebel streak amongst outliers emerging out of an ocean of cynics and disbelievers. The vastness of the ocean might scare many, but not them who edge inch by inch out of criticism into the light of hope and faith.

“I started playing at the age of 10. But girls were not allowed to go out and play. There were a lot of social constraints,” recalls Sweety Devi, Indian Senior Women’s Team’s Central Defender. “But I was the odd one out. I was desperate. I went out, played with the boys, and that left the jaws of many people hanging,” Sweety, currently in Mandalay for the forthcoming AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, narrates.

“In retrospect, I guess I was a rebel,” describes Sweety who so far looks a bit disconnected physically from the perceived image of a fantasized rebel. Not the most daunting physically, and always smiling - the lanky defender has matured herself into an integral cog in the women’s team’s defence line.

“As I played with the boys, injuries stayed a concern. But my family stood for me, and by me all throughout,” she smiles.

“My father is a football coach. He was the one who took me to the field to play football. Other than him, I wouldn’t have played football. I am lucky to have a dad like him. The credit goes to him for motivating me every day.”

Doing her Bachelors in Arts from a college in Manipur, Sweety transforms to an astute defender for the women’s team on the pitch. So much so that when she played against Nepal in the final of the SAFF Championship, she was on the receiving end of physical tussle against Nepal’s star forward Sabitra Bhandari.

But her positioning coupled with elegant and timely interceptions off the ball diffused her opponent, eventually inspiring India to a 3-1 win.

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“Sabitra got agitated when she was not being allowed to play with the ball. She even got angry, and even physical with me. My main focus was to not let her receive the ball,” she adds. “If she does not get the ball, she cannot play, and that made her even cuss at me at times.”

At 19, the vigorous defender has carved out a small niche for herself in the team but she credits her teammates for her development. “Ashalata (Devi) has been of immense help. Prior to every match, we have a chat. Also because we speak in Manipuri it is easier for us to communicate.”

“She guides me, and if ever I commit a mistake, she is there to cover it up”, Sweety states.

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“When I was selected to play for the Senior Team in 2017, I was really scared because I wasn’t even aware of the level of football which is played at the Senior level. I was confused if I could live up to that level or not,” elaborates the defender who represented the Indian U-19s in 2015.

The compliment comes from her Head Coach. “The maturity that she showcases through her game cancels out her young age. The team we have is young, and she is as important like all others,” Maymol certifies.