New Delhi: Star Indian woman footballer Bala Devi says she took inspiration from boxing legend Mary Kom, who achieved unprecedented success as a sportsperson despite having humble roots.
Bala, the first Indian woman to play professional football in a top-flight league in Europe, talked about an interaction with six-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom during the 2014 Asian Games.
"Mary Kom is a big source of inspiration for me. She came from such humble beginnings and through her hard work, she broke so many records. Even after becoming a mother, she continues to break records and win laurels for the country," Bala said.
"We interacted at the Asian Games in 2014 and watched her train. She is a very friendly person and also supported us during our games," Bala told AIFF TV.
Bala recently scored her first goal for the Rangers FC in the Scottish Women's Premier League in a 9-0 decimation of Motherwell FC. She signed an 18-month contract with Rangers in January.
"After the goal, a lot of people wished me and many were talking and writing about it, which made me feel very proud. After that, I was nominated for the AFC Player of the Week and seeing my name on the list alongside such icons made me happy," she said.