Manipur’s Ratanbala Devi, is one of the promising prospects among the 20-member Indian squad competing at the 2020 Asian Football Federation (AFC) Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
She came as a second-half substitute in midfield in India’s opening match against Nepal on Thursday where she performed brilliantly.
Team India drew its first match of the tournament and will now face Bangladesh on Sunday.
The 19-year old footballer is a valuable asset for her coach Maymol Rocky because of her extraordinary talents.
She had been a part of the India U-19 football squad two years ago and became a part of the senior football team in April 2017. She had played in various positions in the football field, reports the-aiff.com
She was asked to play in midfield and focus on the defensive side of things and regaining possession for the team.
In her childhood, she used to play football with boys in her village. Later, she started playing for Chaoba Devi Langam Club in Manipur and KRYPSA.
She idolizes football stars Lionel Messi and Marta said that her family had always encouraged her to play football.