FIFA U-17 WWC will have very positive impact on women's football in India, says Bembem Devi
![Post Featured Image](https://assets.khelnow.com/news/uploads/2022/09/Bembem-Devi-AIFF-1.jpg)
(Courtesy : AIFF Media)
The legend also requested the fans to fill up the stands and cheer for the girls.
Oinam Bembem Devi, former midfielder of the Indian Women’s football team, has been one of the foremost advocates of women’s football in India for a number of years and she expressed her jubilation about the tournament. The Padma Shri recipient buoyantly expressed her thoughts about the tournament saying, “I am extremely happy that women’s football in India is getting such a positive response from the people because of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022.”
Bembem Devi, who is also an Arjuna Awardee, talked about the cultural shift towards women’s football in India that is set to take place due to the mega sporting event, “The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 has shown to the parents that there are opportunities in India for women’s football that can be explored and this tournament is the perfect way to shine the spotlight on women’s football in India.”
“When it was announced that the tournament would be held in India a lot of parents of female footballers from all over the country called and asked about how their daughters could become part of the Indian squad set to play at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 or get a trial for the team.” she added.
Bembem went on to talk about the potential of women’s football in India saying, “This World Cup will definitely have a very positive impact on women’s football in India as this will act as the perfect springboard for a constructive cultural change towards women’s football in the country.”
Bembem Devi, who is also known as The Durga of Indian Football, had a message for the fans and spectators. “I have a request and message for all the spectators that this is the first time India is hosting the U-17 Women’s World Cup and the players could use all the encouragement and support of the fans so that the players are motivated to give their best on the field," she said.
“I request everyone to come to the stadiums for the games so that there is immense support for the young girls participating in this World Cup. We will be cheering the players on and showing our unwavering support for the team. I am sure that if we encourage the players they will give more than a hundred percent in the matches.” Bembem Devi concluded.
The U-17 Indian Women’s Team has been drawn in Group A alongside the likes of Morocco, Brazil, and the United States of America (USA). The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 will be held in three locations - Navi Mumbai, Goa and Bhubaneswar. The Indian team will play all their games at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
- Top five youngest debutants for France
- Odisha FC's predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25
- Top 13 youngest players to reach 20 Premier League goal involvements in a season
- Super League Kerala 2024: Full fixtures, schedule, timing, telecast & live streaming details
- Top four defensive midfielders Barcelona should sign in January
- Cy Goddard becomes the first foreigner to sign for Hyderabad FC for ISL 2024-25
- Mohammed Yasir ruled out ahead of India's clash against Mauritius in Intercontinental Cup 2024
- Top 10 most expensive Indian footballers in ISL history
- Diamond League, World C'ships and other major events to follow post Paris Olympics 2024
- Mohun Bagan's predicted lineup for ISL 2024-25
- Indian Sports Calendar September 2024: Major events to look forward to this month
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers: Bahrain shock Australia; United Arab Emirates defeat Qatar
- Top 10 highest goalscorers in the history of football
- People come and go and we try work in the same direction, says Mumbai City coach Petr Kratky on ISL 2024-25 Media Day