Bala Devi - UPSC Key Notes & Top MCQs

Bala Devi is one of India’s most celebrated women footballers, known for her exceptional skill, determination, and groundbreaking achievements. She became the first Indian woman to sign a professional contract with a top European club, inspiring thousands and strengthening India’s presence in global women’s football.

Studying Bala Devi is useful for UPSC because her journey reflects women's empowerment, sports development, gender equality, international representation, and government sports policies. Her achievements highlight India’s growing participation in global sports and demonstrate how support systems, training infrastructure, and institutional reforms help athletes succeed internationally.

Quick Revision Notes - Bala Devi

Keyword Definitions (UPSC / SSC / RRB / SEBI / IBPS / NDA Exams)

• Bala Devi: One of India’s leading women footballers, known for her scoring ability and international achievements. She became the first Indian woman to play professionally in Europe, representing Rangers FC and inspiring women athletes nationwide.
• Women’s Football in India: A developing sports ecosystem gradually gaining recognition through institutional support, grassroots programmes, and international achievements. Bala Devi’s success has significantly increased visibility and motivation for aspiring young players across India.
• Rangers FC Contract: Bala Devi signed with Rangers FC in Scotland, marking a historic milestone for Indian women’s football. This contract demonstrated India’s emerging talent and opened doors for more players to seek global exposure.
• Indian Women’s League (IWL): India’s top-tier women’s football league aimed at elevating professional standards and nurturing talent. Bala Devi’s consistent domestic success showcased the importance of structured platforms for women athletes.
• Sports Empowerment: Enhancing opportunities for athletes through funding, training, and infrastructure. Bala Devi’s rise highlights the impact of supportive environments and empowerment programmes in enabling women to excel at national and international levels.
• Gender Equality in Sports: Ensuring equal opportunities, recognition, and resources for women athletes. Bala Devi’s achievements symbolize progressive social change, helping challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in Indian sports.
• AIFF Development Programmes: Initiatives by the All India Football Federation to promote grassroots training, scouting, and women’s participation. These programmes contributed to Bala Devi’s growth and strengthened India’s women’s football ecosystem.
• International Caps: Official appearances for the national team. Bala Devi has earned numerous caps for India, scoring consistently and representing the country in major Asian and international tournaments with distinction.
• SAFF Women’s Championship: South Asian Football Federation’s premier women’s tournament, where Bala Devi has been a leading goal scorer. Her dominance in the competition reflects her skill, consistency, and leadership.
• Sports Role Models: Influential athletes who inspire younger generations through performance and character. Bala Devi serves as a strong role model, encouraging girls to pursue sports confidently and professionally.
• Women in Professional Sports: Increasing participation of women in structured, competitive sporting careers. Bala Devi’s success in European football highlights the growing global acceptance and opportunities for women athletes from developing nations.

Multiple Choice Questions - Bala Devi

Bala Devi’s journey proves that determination and focused practice can break barriers. Let her achievements motivate you to pursue your goals boldly, consistently, and with belief in your potential.

1. Bala Devi became the first Indian woman to sign a professional contract in Europe with which club?
a) Chelsea FC Women
b) Arsenal Women
c) Bayern Munich Women
d) Rangers FC

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Bala Devi created history by signing with Rangers FC in Scotland, opening new pathways for Indian women footballers and proving that Indian talent can succeed in professional European leagues. Answer: d

2. Bala Devi is primarily known for excelling in which playing position?
a) Goalkeeper
b) Midfielder
c) Forward / Striker
d) Defender

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Bala Devi is renowned for her striking ability and natural goal-scoring instinct, excelling as a forward. Her speed, positioning and finishing make her one of India’s best attackers. Answer: c

3. Bala Devi hails from which Indian state?
a) Assam
b) Manipur
c) Meghalaya
d) Odisha

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Bala Devi comes from Manipur, a state known for producing top athletes in football, boxing and weightlifting due to strong sports culture, community support and dedicated coaching structures. Answer: b

4. For which international tournament has Bala Devi been a key performer for India?
a) AFC Women’s Asian Cup
b) SAFF Women’s Championship
c) FIFA Women’s World Cup
d) Asian Games Football

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Bala Devi has been one of the top scorers in the SAFF Women’s Championship, helping India dominate the regional tournament through consistent goals, leadership and strong attacking play. Answer: b

5. Which Indian league played a major role in Bala Devi’s rise?
a) Indian Super League (ISL)
b) Indian Women’s League (IWL)
c) Durand Cup
d) National School Games

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The Indian Women’s League (IWL) provided structured competition and professional exposure crucial for Bala Devi’s development, helping her dominate domestic football before earning international recognition. Answer: b

6. Bala Devi has represented India in which age-category national teams?
a) Only Senior Team
b) U-17 and Senior Team
c) U-19 and Senior Team
d) U-14, U-19 and Senior Team

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Bala Devi progressed through U-14, U-19 and Senior Team levels, showcasing long-term commitment, early skill development and strong performance at every stage of India’s football pathway. Answer: d

7. Bala Devi is widely acknowledged for which key quality?
a) Defensive accuracy
b) High goal-scoring consistency
c) Long-throw technique
d) Goalkeeping reflexes

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Bala Devi is praised for her reliable goal-scoring ability, tactical understanding and sharp finishing, making her one of India’s most dangerous forwards in regional and international football. Answer: b

8. Which organisation governs women’s football development in India?
a) SAI
b) IOA
c) AIFF 
d) FIFA India Desk

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Women’s football in India is governed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which oversees tournaments, training systems, scouting programmes and national team development pathways. Answer: c

9. Bala Devi’s historic goal for Rangers FC was scored in which league?
a) Scottish Women’s Premier League
b) English Women’s Super League
c) UEFA Champions League Qualifiers
d) Spanish Primera División Femenina

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Bala Devi scored a landmark goal in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, proving her competitiveness in European football and inspiring more Indian players to aim for professional overseas careers. Answer: a

10. Bala Devi’s career best represents which broader national priority?
a) Digital innovation
b) Environmental protection
c) Women empowerment in sports
d) Rural infrastructure development

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Her rise symbolizes women empowerment in sports, highlighting the importance of equality, visibility, opportunity and support systems required to help women athletes compete globally and achieve excellence. Answer: c

Additional Reading - Bala Devi

The first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe, representing Rangers FC in Scotland

The name Bala Devi is now an immortal one in the history of Indian women's football. If you are a sports fan, then her life journey will inspire you a lot. This young woman from a small town has captivated the world football scene with her talent. Through this article, you can learn about her life story, training, achievements, international recognition, and her role in the development of Indian women's football.

Bala Devi – Summary Table

Category	Details
Full Name	Bala Devi
Birth Year	1990
Birthplace	Manipur, India
Football Debut	National Junior Championship (2002)
India Team Debut	2005 – Forward Position
European Club	Rangers FC, Scotland (2020)
Position	Forward/Goal Scorer
Major Recognition	First Indian woman in the European league
Social Media	Active on Instagram and Twitter
Future Goal	Train youth, coach the Indian team

How was Bala Devi's Early Life?

Bala Devi was born in 1990 in a small village in the state of Manipur. From childhood, she developed an extraordinary interest in football, which would change her life.

• Since her father was a local-level player, the interest in sports started in the family.

• Bala developed herself by playing football with the boys from her childhood.

• Without neglecting education, she gave equal importance to sports and trained at the Manipur Sports Academy.

What are Bala Devi's Achievements?

Bala Devi had a lot of success at the beginning of her football career. At an early age, she became well-known across the country.

• At the age of 12, she began competing in the National Junior Championship in 2002.

• She led the team to victory with her brilliant goals and won the Best Player award in the tournaments.

• The team management and coaches noticed that she had good leadership qualities from the very beginning.

A pioneer in Indian women's football and a former player for Rangers FC in Scotland

What Does Bala Devi Represent?

Bala Devi got the opportunity to play for India in 2005. Since then, her development in the game has been evident.

• She was selected as a forward player for the Indian women's national team and scored key goals.

• Her performances in tournaments like the SAFF Championship have led India to the title.

• She has been an inspiration to the younger players in the team, who look up to her as a role model.

When was Bala Devi Globally Recognized?

Bala Devi became the first Indian woman player to play in a European league. This was a major milestone in the history of Indian women's football.

• In 2020, she signed with Scottish club Rangers FC, a matter of pride for Indian players.

• She introduced the level of Indian football to the world by scoring international goals.

• Her fitness, hard work, and tactical play were also praised in Europe.

Top 10 Indian Women's Football Players

Player	Position & Highlights
Bala Devi	Striker – First Indian woman to play professionally in Europe
Aditi Chauhan	Goalkeeper – Former West Ham United Ladies player
Loitongbam Ashalata Devi	Defender – AIFF Women's Player of the Year (2019)
Manisha Kalyan	Winger – First Indian to score in UEFA Women’s Champions League
Indumathi Kathiresan	Midfielder – AIFF Player of the Year nominee
Ratanbala Devi	Forward – Key goal scorer in the SAFF Championships
Sandhiya Ranganathan	Forward – Known for pace and finishing
Anju Tamang	Midfielder – An Integral part of the national team midfield
Dangmei Grace	Winger – Played in the Uzbekistan league
Soumya Guguloth	Midfielder – Young talent with overseas experience

What does Bala Devi Symbolize?

Bala Devi faced many physical and mental hardships to reach this level. But she did not give up her perseverance.

• She continued to practice at a time when women's football in India did not have adequate resources and support.

• She had to prove her mettle while facing gender discrimination.

• She moved forward with determination, at a level where football meant life to her.

How is Bala Devi's Impact on Youth?

Bala Devi is now not just a player but also a role model for the youth. People are falling in love with her social media avatar.

• Her interviews and training videos are creating a new awareness among the youth.

• She is directly talking to her fans on Instagram and Twitter, increasing the enthusiasm for sports.

• Her stories are helping to turn many young girls towards football.

Bala Devi – Representing Kerala and India with distinction in women's football

What are Bala Devi's Future Goals?

Bala Devi is moving forward with a strong determination to take Indian women's football to the world level.

• She is constantly working hard to become a goal marshal for the Indian team.

• She has an ambition to work for the development of women's football by serving as a coach.

• She wants to provide the country with more capable players by training the youth.

Conclusion

Bala Devi's life story makes you understand how much courage, hard work, and perseverance are needed if you, too, are to succeed in any field. A young girl from a small village is shining in the football stadiums of the world. She has not only scored goals but also demonstrated an ideal life path. She is like a beacon of light for Indian women players. You can follow her life lessons on your journey. This inspiring story will breathe life into your aspirations.