Oinam Bembem Devi, the first Indian woman footballer to have received the prestigious Padma Shri Award, said that she is excited for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 being hosted in India, as players will get a golden opportunity to play in front of the home crowd, a proud moment for their families as well.&nbsp;

AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 is scheduled to commence on January 20 next year and the qualified teams include reigning champions Japan, Australia, China PR, hosts India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.&nbsp;

During a virtual interaction, Bembem Devi replied to WION's question over her excitement about the tournament being held in India. She said, "I am very excited as I have played for 21 years, but didn't get a chance to play AFC in India. All the players in the women's team are so excited as their families and relatives can watch their daughters play."

"Playing in our own country and in our own ground give a massive boost. When we go to other countries, we don't get many supporters. Playing in India means, the family can watch, the relative can watch and supporters will be a motivational factor."

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Bembem Devi, who has been a flagbearer of promoting football in India over the years, also said that she is also very excited because hosting the tournament will be a great opportunity to promote women's football across India, adding that she is "very happy".&nbsp;

The 41-year-old Bembem Devi became the seventh overall to receive the Padma Shri Award, joining the elite club of Late Gostho Paul, Late Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Bhaichung Bhutia and current Indian Men's National Team captain Sunil Chhetri as Indian footballers who won the prestigious award.&nbsp;

Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award given by the Government of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan.&nbsp;

Bembem Devi has been a role model for Indian football, who is doing her bit in promoting the sport throughout the country. Winning Padma Shri will boost her efforts to take Indian Women's football to greater heights as she will get recognition and more girls draw inspiration from her.&nbsp;

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<meta name="uuid" content="uuid3KUquBzywrR9" /><meta charset="utf-8" />While replying to&nbsp;WION's question, Bembem Devi gave her valuable opinion on what needs to be done to bring about considerable changes in terms of promoting the sport to the grassroots level and encouraging women participation.&nbsp;

She said, "In India, the Grassroots Football Development programme is already underway." Giving an example Manipur, from where she hails, the veteran footballer said, "In my state, a six-month-long Grassroots Football Development was scheduled. Young boys and girls participated."&nbsp;

In India, Grassroots Football aim is to increase participation for children, youth, amateurs, veterans in the sport. The programme is also meant for those with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, visually impaired and even the socially disadvantaged.&nbsp;

The AIFF Grassroots programme also looks after improving the quality and quantity of football and popularising it through grassroots. AIFF's Grassroots Development programme was kicked-off in December 2012 and ever since it has seen a rapid expansion.&nbsp;

Oinam Bembem Devi, the first Indian woman footballer to have received the prestigious Padma Shri Award, said that she is excited for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 being hosted in India, as players will get a golden opportunity to play in front of the home crowd, a proud moment for their families as well.

Oinam Bembem Devi, the first Indian woman footballer to have received the prestigious Padma Shri Award, said that she is excited for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 being hosted in India, as players will get a golden opportunity to play in front of the home crowd, a proud moment for their families as well. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 is scheduled to commence on January 20 next year and the qualified teams include reigning champions Japan, Australia, China PR, hosts India, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. During a virtual interaction, Bembem Devi replied to WION's question over her excitement about the tournament being held in India. She said, "I am very excited as I have played for 21 years, but didn't get a chance to play AFC in India. All the players in the women's team are so excited as their families and relatives can watch their daughters play." "Playing in our own country and in our own ground give a massive boost. When we go to other countries, we don't get many supporters. Playing in India means, the family can watch, the relative can watch and supporters will be a motivational factor." ALSO READ | India hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a huge opportunity for women's football: Footballer Renu to WION Bembem Devi, who has been a flagbearer of promoting football in India over the years, also said that she is also very excited because hosting the tournament will be a great opportunity to promote women's football across India, adding that she is "very happy". The 41-year-old Bembem Devi became the seventh overall to receive the Padma Shri Award, joining the elite club of Late Gostho Paul, Late Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Bhaichung Bhutia and current Indian Men's National Team captain Sunil Chhetri as Indian footballers who won the prestigious award. Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award given by the Government of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. Bembem Devi has been a role model for Indian football, who is doing her bit in promoting the sport throughout the country. Winning Padma Shri will boost her efforts to take Indian Women's football to greater heights as she will get recognition and more girls draw inspiration from her. ALSO READ | Explained: What is arrhythmia? A heart condition that might force Sergio Aguero to retire at 33 While replying to WION's question, Bembem Devi gave her valuable opinion on what needs to be done to bring about considerable changes in terms of promoting the sport to the grassroots level and encouraging women participation. She said, "In India, the Grassroots Football Development programme is already underway." Giving an example Manipur, from where she hails, the veteran footballer said, "In my state, a six-month-long Grassroots Football Development was scheduled. Young boys and girls participated." In India, Grassroots Football aim is to increase participation for children, youth, amateurs, veterans in the sport. The programme is also meant for those with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, visually impaired and even the socially disadvantaged. The AIFF Grassroots programme also looks after improving the quality and quantity of football and popularising it through grassroots. AIFF's Grassroots Development programme was kicked-off in December 2012 and ever since it has seen a rapid expansion.

'Very excited and happy': Padma Shri recipient Oinam Bembem Devi on India hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup

The most-capped player in Brazil's history, 43-year-old&nbsp;Formiga, will play her final match for the national team this month after a storied career including seven World Cup and Olympics appearances, officials said Tuesday.

The iconic midfielder will don the Selecao's yellow-and-green jersey for the last time in a friendly against India on November 25 in the northern city of Manaus, said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

"With 233 caps to her name, the 43-year-old midfielder will return to the team for a farewell to the jersey she has so honored," the CBF said in a statement.

"Formiga&nbsp;is one of the greatest players Brazil has ever had," women's national team coordinator Duda Luizelli told a news conference.

Formiga, who left Paris Saint-Germain in June to sign with Sao Paulo FC until December 2022, is the only player to have taken part in all seven editions of the women's Olympic football tournament.

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The legendary number 8 won two silver medals (2004 and 2008), and was still in the starting line-up for this year's Tokyo Games, where Brazil lost to Canada in the quarter-finals.

When she came off mid-match that day,&nbsp;Formiga&nbsp;was replaced by a player 23 years her junior.

Formiga, whose nickname means "ant," was born&nbsp;Miraildes Maciel Mota&nbsp;in the northeastern city of Salvador in 1978.

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At the time, it was still illegal for women in Brazil to play football, a sport deemed "incompatible with their nature" under a 1941 law that was repealed in 1979.

She made her debut with the national team in 1995, at age 17.

The indefatigable midfielder is the only footballer in either the men's or women's game to play in seven World Cups (1995,&nbsp;1999,&nbsp;2003,&nbsp;2007, 2011, 2015&nbsp;and 2019).

Formiga&nbsp;also holds the records for the oldest World Cup player (41 years, in 2019) and oldest goal-scorer in the tournament (37 years, in 2015).

The most-capped player in Brazil's history, 43-year-old Formiga, will play her final match for the national team this month after a storied career including seven World Cup and Olympics appearances, officials said Tuesday.

The most-capped player in Brazil's history, 43-year-old Formiga, will play her final match for the national team this month after a storied career including seven World Cup and Olympics appearances, officials said Tuesday. The iconic midfielder will don the Selecao's yellow-and-green jersey for the last time in a friendly against India on November 25 in the northern city of Manaus, said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). "With 233 caps to her name, the 43-year-old midfielder will return to the team for a farewell to the jersey she has so honored," the CBF said in a statement. "Formiga is one of the greatest players Brazil has ever had," women's national team coordinator Duda Luizelli told a news conference. Formiga, who left Paris Saint-Germain in June to sign with Sao Paulo FC until December 2022, is the only player to have taken part in all seven editions of the women's Olympic football tournament. ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup: Gay Australian footballer Josh Cavallo 'scared' to play in Qatar The legendary number 8 won two silver medals (2004 and 2008), and was still in the starting line-up for this year's Tokyo Games, where Brazil lost to Canada in the quarter-finals. When she came off mid-match that day, Formiga was replaced by a player 23 years her junior. Formiga, whose nickname means "ant," was born Miraildes Maciel Mota in the northeastern city of Salvador in 1978. ALSO READ: Argentina spends weekend celebrating late hero Diego Maradona on his birthday At the time, it was still illegal for women in Brazil to play football, a sport deemed "incompatible with their nature" under a 1941 law that was repealed in 1979. She made her debut with the national team in 1995, at age 17. The indefatigable midfielder is the only footballer in either the men's or women's game to play in seven World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019). Formiga also holds the records for the oldest World Cup player (41 years, in 2019) and oldest goal-scorer in the tournament (37 years, in 2015).

Brazil's most-capped player Formiga to retire from international football

The Indian women's football team will take on former World Cup runners-up Brazil for the first time ever during an international tournament later this month as part of its preparations for next year's AFC Asian Cup.

Chile, ranked 37th in FIFA chart, and Venezuela (56th) are the other teams that the 57th-ranked Indians will face in the November 25 to December 1 tournament to be held in Manaus, Brazil.

The world number seven Brazil, who were the 2007 World Cup runners-up and Olympics silver medallists in 2004 and 2008, are captained by superstar Marta Vieira da Silva, who is widely considered as the greatest female footballer in the world.

Marta, the six-time World Player of the Year, was the best player and top scorer in the 2007 World Cup. She is Brazil's top international scorer with 112 goals from 167 matches.

It is not yet known whether the 35-year-old Marta will feature in this tournament but it will certainly be one of the toughest tournaments the Indian women's team has ever taken part.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/oinam-bembem-devi-durga-of-indian-football-becomes-first-woman-player-to-receive-padma-shri-427947">Oinam Bembem Devi, 'Durga of Indian football', becomes first woman player to receive Padma Shri</a>

"This will be the first time any Indian senior national team will be playing against either Brazil, Chile or Venezuela," the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a release.

The exposure tour is part of the Indian women's team's preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup to be held in Mumbai and Pune from January 20 to February 6 next year.

"As the governing body, we want to provide the best platform for preparation for our women's senior team as they prepare for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022," AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said.

"Brazil and Chile are regular World Cup teams, and I am confident playing against such opposition will help our women's team to grow in stature."

The Indian women's team had last month travelled to Dubai, Bahrain and Sweden to play a series of friendly matches. Last year, they had gone to Turkey and Uzbekistan for exposure tours.

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Das also said that the AIFF is finalising the schedule for the four-nation tournament in Kerala in December for the women's team to gain valuable international exposure.

India's matches in Manaus, Brazil:

November 25: India vs Brazil

November 28: India vs Chile.

December 1: India vs Venezuela.

The Indian women's football team will take on former World Cup runners-up Brazil for the first time ever during an international tournament later this month as part of its preparations for next year's AFC Asian Cup.

The Indian women's football team will take on former World Cup runners-up Brazil for the first time ever during an international tournament later this month as part of its preparations for next year's AFC Asian Cup. Chile, ranked 37th in FIFA chart, and Venezuela (56th) are the other teams that the 57th-ranked Indians will face in the November 25 to December 1 tournament to be held in Manaus, Brazil. The world number seven Brazil, who were the 2007 World Cup runners-up and Olympics silver medallists in 2004 and 2008, are captained by superstar Marta Vieira da Silva, who is widely considered as the greatest female footballer in the world. Marta, the six-time World Player of the Year, was the best player and top scorer in the 2007 World Cup. She is Brazil's top international scorer with 112 goals from 167 matches. It is not yet known whether the 35-year-old Marta will feature in this tournament but it will certainly be one of the toughest tournaments the Indian women's team has ever taken part. ALSO READ: Oinam Bembem Devi, 'Durga of Indian football', becomes first woman player to receive Padma Shri "This will be the first time any Indian senior national team will be playing against either Brazil, Chile or Venezuela," the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a release. The exposure tour is part of the Indian women's team's preparation for the AFC Women's Asian Cup to be held in Mumbai and Pune from January 20 to February 6 next year. "As the governing body, we want to provide the best platform for preparation for our women's senior team as they prepare for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022," AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said. "Brazil and Chile are regular World Cup teams, and I am confident playing against such opposition will help our women's team to grow in stature." The Indian women's team had last month travelled to Dubai, Bahrain and Sweden to play a series of friendly matches. Last year, they had gone to Turkey and Uzbekistan for exposure tours. ALSO READ: Pyari Xaxa shines as Indian women's football team thrash Bahrain 5-0 Das also said that the AIFF is finalising the schedule for the four-nation tournament in Kerala in December for the women's team to gain valuable international exposure. India's matches in Manaus, Brazil: November 25: India vs Brazil November 28: India vs Chile. December 1: India vs Venezuela.

In a historic first, Indian women's football team to play against Brazil, Chile in international tournament

Indian women's football team beat higher-ranked Chinese Taipei 1-0 in an international friendly match to end their four-match exposure tour on a winning note here on Wednesday.

Renu scored the all-important goal in the third minute and the Indians kept their opponents at bay till the end. Chinese Taipei are ranked 40th in the FIFA chart while the Indians are placed at 57th.

Thomas Dennerby's team had entered the match after a 5-0 win over Bahrain in their previous outing here on Sunday.

Besides the positive result against 85th-ranked Bahrain, India had beaten UAE 4-1 and lost to 77th-ranked Tunisia 0-1 in Dubai in international friendly matches earlier this month.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pyari-xaxa-shines-as-indian-womens-football-team-thrash-bahrain-5-0-419953">Pyari Xaxa shines as Indian women's football team thrash Bahrain 5-0</a>

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Full-Time! 
 
Done and dusted! India register another victory, courtesy Renu's early strike tonight. 🙌🏼 
 
IND 1-0 TPE<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDTPE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDTPE</a> ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShePower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShePower</a> 👧 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/HfLUUEPN5Z">pic.twitter.com/HfLUUEPN5Z</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1448331426282147848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The friendly matches were a part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted by India in January-February.

Before the victory against 100th ranked UAE on October 2, the Indians were winless in the five previous matches this year, though all of them were against higher-ranked European sides.&nbsp;

Indian women's football team beat higher-ranked Chinese Taipei 1-0 in an international friendly match to end their four-match exposure tour on a winning note here on Wednesday.

Indian women's football team beat higher-ranked Chinese Taipei 1-0 in an international friendly match to end their four-match exposure tour on a winning note here on Wednesday. Renu scored the all-important goal in the third minute and the Indians kept their opponents at bay till the end. Chinese Taipei are ranked 40th in the FIFA chart while the Indians are placed at 57th. Thomas Dennerby's team had entered the match after a 5-0 win over Bahrain in their previous outing here on Sunday. Besides the positive result against 85th-ranked Bahrain, India had beaten UAE 4-1 and lost to 77th-ranked Tunisia 0-1 in Dubai in international friendly matches earlier this month. ALSO READ: Pyari Xaxa shines as Indian women's football team thrash Bahrain 5-0 Full-Time! Done and dusted! India register another victory, courtesy Renu's early strike tonight. 🙌🏼 IND 1-0 TPE#INDTPE ⚔️ #BackTheBlue 💙 #ShePower 👧 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/HfLUUEPN5Z — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) October 13, 2021 × The friendly matches were a part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup, which will be hosted by India in January-February. Before the victory against 100th ranked UAE on October 2, the Indians were winless in the five previous matches this year, though all of them were against higher-ranked European sides.

Indian women's football team beat higher-ranked Chinese Taipei 1-0 in international friendly