Bala Devi forced to stay back at Glasgow amid coronavirus scare

The veteran Indian striker has revealed that the Scottish side is taking good care of her.

Indian national women’s team star Bala Devi has been forced to stay back in Scotland amid the suspended season due to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. The Scottish Premiership is suspended till April 30th, but the 30-year-old cannot return back to India due to the travel restrictions implemented by the government.

The striker doesn’t have any commitments with Rangers during this break, which has also stopped training activities to facilitate social distancing. However, after the Indian Govt. announced that it would not allow any international flights to enter the country from 22nd March onward Bala Devi cannot return.

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Her agent Anuj Kichlu gave an update on the situation to PTI, saying, “There are no matches now as the season has been postponed and will start on April 30. But, even if she wants to come back home, the flights from the UK to India have been stopped two days back."

“So. she can’t come back home, she will remain there, there is no other way out. We will see the situation. If the league re-starts on April 30, she can stay there and play."

“But. if it does not and is postponed again, we have to see what to do and if any flight is available at that time and decide accordingly," he added.

The good thing is that Rangers are taking good care of the attacker, who made huge inroads by becoming the first female player from India to play for such in such a reputed club’s senior team earlier this year.

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Bala Devi has made a few appearances for Rangers in the Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign this season and even picked up an assist in her debut game against Hearts. But, the start to her career on foreign shores has been impacted by the coronavirus, which has forced the authorities to cancel every professional league across the UK.

In India, the I-League has also been postponed till next month after Mohun Bagan were crowned champions. The Indian Super League (ISL) final between ATK and Chennaiyin FC also took place at an empty Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, as the deadly virus continues to have a negative effect on sports and athletes like Bala Devi.

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