Manipur’s woman footballer L. Ashalata Devi, who plays for East Central Railway (ECR), headquartered at Bihar’s Hajipur, has been declared ‘woman footballer of the year 2019-20.
L. Ashalata Devi has been declared ‘woman footballer of the year 2019-20’ by the All India Footballer Federation (AIFF).
Informing about this, the Railway Ministry on its Twitter handle stated that being declared as the footballer of the year, L. Ashalata Devi has become “pride of the entire Indian Railways”.
The Railway Ministry tweeted: “A woman footballer of the East Central Railway (ECR), Hajipur, L. Ashalata Devi, has become the pride of the entire Indian Railways after being declared ‘woman footballer of the Year 2018-19’ by the All India Footballer Federation (AIFF).She hails from Manipur.”
According to media reports, L. Ashalata Devi is currently posted in the operating department of the Eastern Central Railway at Hajipur.
ECR General Manager L.C. Trivedi has congratulated the footballer for her achievement.
Trivedi reportedly said L. Ashalata Devi’s extraordinary performances in soccer have helped Indian Railways to walk with their head held high.
A woman footballer of the East Central Railway(ECR), Hajipur, L.Ashalata Devi, has become the pride of the entire Indian Railways after being declared ‘woman footballer of the Year 2018-19’ by the All India Footballer Federation (AIFF).She hails from Manipur. pic.twitter.com/uy1g4wNDNA
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 17, 2019
A media report quoted footballer Devi as saying that she has been playing football since she was six years old.
She also informed that it allows her “to be energized and the rapid and disciplined body movements give” her capability of making quick decisions.
“This sport makes the youth healthy and dedicated to the society,” said Devi.
Saying that India has no dearth of talented women footballers, Devi stated that there is lack of opportunity.
“I think every girl should play it as it makes the person playing stronger by all means,” she added.