Oinam Bembem Devi is one of the most iconic figures in Indian women’s football and has had a remarkable and influential career both on and off the field. Born on 9th April 1980 in Imphal, Manipur, she is widely regarded as the ‘Durga of Indian football’ for her fierce leadership and exceptional skill. Her journey began in 1988, when she started training at the United Pioneers Club in Imphal. Over the next several decades, she played a pivotal role in shaping Indian women’s football.
Devi represented the Indian national team from 1995 to 2016, earning a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the country. Her first major international appearance was in the 1995 AFC Women’s Asian Championship, and she continued to play in numerous international tournaments over the years. She was part of the Indian women’s football team at the 1996 Asian Games, where India competed in women’s football for the first time. This was a significant moment for Indian football, and Devi’s participation further cemented her legacy.
Devi was an instrumental part of the Indian women’s football team during multiple SAFF Championship titles, winning in 2010, 2012, and 2014. She also contributed to India’s victory in the South Asian Games in 2010 and 2016, taking home gold medals in both. As the team captain, her leadership was critical in India’s success at regional tournaments, showing her ability to motivate and guide younger players.
In 2001, she was named the AIFF Woman Footballer of the Year, and she received the same honor again in 2013, a testament to her consistently high performance over more than a decade. The Arjuna Award in 2017 recognized her contributions to Indian football, while in 2020, she was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, acknowledging her lifetime achievements and impact on Indian sports.
Her accolades include being named to the Asian Football Confederation Women’s All-Star Team and various national honors throughout her career. Apart from her international and national duties, Devi has been active at the club level as well. She played for Eastern Sporting Union, Manipur Police Sports Club, and other local teams, helping raise the profile of women’s football in Manipur and India.
Devi transitioned into football management, coaching the Indian Women U-17 team in 2018, where she served as the assistant coach, and also managed the Eastern Sporting Union women’s team in 2017. This showed her dedication to nurturing and developing young talent for the future of women’s football in India. After retiring from competitive play, Devi has remained deeply involved in promoting women’s football. She has advocated for better infrastructure and opportunities for female athletes and has been instrumental in influencing policy changes for women’s sports in India.
She continues to serve as a role model for aspiring female footballers, especially in the northeastern states of India, where she remains a beloved figure in the sporting community. Oinam Bembem Devi’s incredible journey reflects the dedication and resilience required to make it as a top athlete, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of football players, particularly women, in India.
