India has won the most titles in the SAFF Women's Championship. 5 trophies in their home. However, Bangladesh has shared their dominance in two consecutive seasons. The title of South Asia's best team is now in Sabina-Rituparna's body. Many are surprised by the performance of the red-green team. One of India's best stars and most-matched Bala Devi is one of them.
Twice in a row, India failed to cross the semi-final stage. Before the final, they lost to Bangladesh in the group stage or semi-final. Therefore, while evaluating Sabina's performance, Bala showered everyone with praise. He told Bengali Tribune from Manipur, India, 'Bangladesh has been playing great for two consecutive seasons. Also won the title. This is really surprising. There is a reason behind this. Bangladeshi girls practice throughout the year. They have foreign coaches in addition to local ones. This group appears to be learning a lot from being in the same shadow over the years. So technically and tactically they are improving step by step.'
Bala was not in the year 2022. However, he could not take the team to the final even after playing this time. The 34-year-old forward has the most capped experience for India. It is more than hundred in junior and senior. Indian women's football has a rich history. They have introduced women's football there since many years ago. Bala also explained the reason for his country's failure, 'We could not practice for a long time before Saaf. Sometimes 5 days, sometimes 21 days. Which has caused problems in our team bonding. Everyone has seen how we lost to Nepal this time. After all, we did not play in the final.'
As Bangladesh's game has been seen, Ballar remembers the game of the winning goal scorer Rituparna Chakma in the final. Not because he scored in the final, but he has the quality of a complete player. Can make great crosses on the left wing, but can't get into the box again. He is compared to himself. I am impressed by his game. He will go far. I told him that too. Apart from the number 17 jersey, others have the ability to play leagues outside the country.
Rituparna has already heard her praise in the voice of Indian star Bala. He was also imprisoned in the same frame with him in the field of Kathmandu. SAFF's best player thus said, 'Players like Bala Devi have appreciated me, I am happy about that. He wished me to play better on the field. I hope to be able to play better in the future from everyone's motivation.
Bala has been playing in the Indian national team since 2005. Bala is working as an inspector in Manipur due to sports. Playing in the Indian team gives you a different advantage. Apart from job there is salary structure. Bala wants to continue playing more, 'I don't know how long I can play. But I will continue to play as long as I am fit. I am a girl from Manipur. Everyone here is football crazy. Football is happening everywhere. So I want to move forward with the motivation from here.'
The girls of Bangladesh can take inspiration from the life-struggle and good wishes of Indian star Bala.
