Ashalata Devi Creates History: First Indian Woman Footballer to Reach 100 International Matches

India's Star Defender Achieves Historic Milestone in SAFF Women's Championship 2024

Loitongbam Ashalata Devi has made history by becoming the first Indian woman footballer to play 100 international matches. The 31-year-old star defender reached this milestone as she led the Indian women's football team against Pakistan in their SAFF Women's Championship 2024 group league opener at the Dasarath Stadium in Kathmandu on October 17.

Ashalata's remarkable journey in football began at the age of 13, when she was inspired by watching boys play the sport at her school in Imphal, Manipur. She went on to join India's U-17 team in 2008 at the age of 15 and made her senior team debut in 2011 during the Pre-Olympic tournament in Dhaka against Bangladesh.

Over the years, Ashalata has built an illustrious career, representing India in numerous tournaments, including two South Asian Games gold medals and four SAFF Women's Championship titles. In 2019, she was nominated for the AFC Women's Player of the Year and was named AIFF Women's Player of the Year for 2018-19. Currently, Ashalata plays for East Bengal and remains determined to lead her team to another victory in the 2024 SAFF Championship.

Reference:

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