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."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-hosting-the-afc-womens-asian-cup-is-a-huge-opportunity-for-womens-football-footballer-renu-to-wion-423143">India hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a huge opportunity for women's football: Footballer Renu to WION</a>

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 'Durga of Indian Football'&nbsp;Oinam Bembem Devi became the first Indian woman footballer, and the seventh overall to receive the prestigious Padma Shri Award on Monday.

Bembem Devi received the Award from President Ram Nath Kovind here at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation (AIFF) in his statement said: "Congratulations! It`s an extremely proud moment for Indian Football. Bembem Devi has been a role model for Indian Football and won so many laurels for India over the years. I hope more girls draw inspiration from her and take Indian Women`s Football to greater heights."

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Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation in his statement said: "Bembem is a living legend and has been the flagbearer of Indian Women`s football over the years. 2022 is the year of Women`s Football in India as we are hosting the AFC Women`s Asian Cup India 2022, and then the FIFA U17 FIFA World Cup India 2022.

"I am confident this Award will provide the necessary fillip to inspire the next generation, and generate interest among all stakeholders. Congratulations!" he added.

Das also made a mention of Bembem's contribution to the sport as a coach after hanging her boots.

"Post-retirement Bembem has been transferring her knowledge as a coach, having been a part of Indian National age-group teams, and also at the club level.

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I wish her all the best for her professional and personal life.

"In the process, Bembem joins 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 Padma Shri Award.&nbsp;

The 'Durga of Indian Football' Oinam Bembem Devi became the first Indian woman footballer, and the seventh overall to receive the prestigious Padma Shri Award on Monday.

The 'Durga of Indian Football' Oinam Bembem Devi became the first Indian woman footballer, and the seventh overall to receive the prestigious Padma Shri Award on Monday. Bembem Devi received the Award from President Ram Nath Kovind here at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation (AIFF) in his statement said: "Congratulations! It`s an extremely proud moment for Indian Football. Bembem Devi has been a role model for Indian Football and won so many laurels for India over the years. I hope more girls draw inspiration from her and take Indian Women`s Football to greater heights." ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho raises familiar gripes as AS Roma slide into crisis after a shock 3-2 defeat vs Venezia Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation in his statement said: "Bembem is a living legend and has been the flagbearer of Indian Women`s football over the years. 2022 is the year of Women`s Football in India as we are hosting the AFC Women`s Asian Cup India 2022, and then the FIFA U17 FIFA World Cup India 2022. "I am confident this Award will provide the necessary fillip to inspire the next generation, and generate interest among all stakeholders. Congratulations!" he added. Das also made a mention of Bembem's contribution to the sport as a coach after hanging her boots. "Post-retirement Bembem has been transferring her knowledge as a coach, having been a part of Indian National age-group teams, and also at the club level. ALSO READ: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu honoured with Padma Bhushan I wish her all the best for her professional and personal life. "In the process, Bembem joins 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 Padma Shri Award.

Oinam Bembem Devi, 'Durga of Indian football', becomes first woman player to receive Padma Shri

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

Oinam Bembem Devi, 'Durga of Indian football', becomes first woman player to receive Padma Shri