Imphal: Renowned international footballer Oinam Bembem Devi Tuesday urged the Manipur government to provide cash incentives for seven women footballers from the State who participated in the Women’s U-17 FIFA world cup, which was played at Odisha’s Kalinga Stadium in October this year.
Speaking at a function organised by the Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture, Manipur Chapter in association with The Ng Mani College, Khurai, the Padmashree awardee said today women footballers play as much as their male counterparts do. But sometimes women footballers continue to struggle for fair treatment from footballing authorities. They deserve the same pay parity with male footballers, she added.
Bembem, also known as ‘Durga of Indian Football’ recalled that during the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, eight Manipuri players participated and all of them were encouraged with Rs 5 lakh cash rewards by the State government. It’s been almost one month since the women’s U-17 FIFA world cup was over, but unfortunately, not a single word has come out from the state government for their incentives, she lamented.
The seven players from Manipur who made it to the Indian women’s FIFA world cup team are: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Melody Chanu Keisham, Shilky Devi Hemam, Babina Devi Lisham, Lynda Kom Serto, Rejiya Devi Laishram and Loktongbam Shelia Devi.
Bembem also urged parents to give opportunities to their children in pursuing a career, especially in football.
Prof N Pramodini, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies, Manipur University, Canchipur; Th Shivdutta, retired MCS and Vivekananda Awardee; Yumnam Bhim Singh, Vice President, GB, Ng Mani College and other officials of the college and VKIC, Manipur Chapter attended the function.
