‘I want to coach after retirement’

Hot on the heels of the Indian national women’s team achieving their best-ever Fifa rankings (49), Oinam Bembem Devi was adjudged the AIFF Women’s Player of the Year for 2013. The award has been reinstated by the federation, after Bembem had won it in 2001. An elated Bembem shared her feelings on getting the prestigious award, India’s best-ever Fifa rankings, the paradigm shift in women’s football and much more. Excerpts:

On winning the award: My happiness knows no bounds. It is after 12 years that I have won it again. A lot has changed since then but not the excitement. I was over the moon when I bagged the award in 2001. The emotions remain the same.

On reinstating the award: The AIFF is doing a lot for women’s football. It is heartening to see that the award is being reinstated. This will drive many women to take that one step forward.

On her career graph: I will be retiring in the next couple of years. I was 21 when I got this award for the first time and I am 33 today. The AIFF gave me the boost when I was starting, and at the twilight of my career, they have recognised my contribution again. I can’t ask for anything more.

On the team’s (49) best-ever Fifa rankings: We have to justify our rankings and not become complacent. I feel in the last couple of years women’s football has been on the rise and these are its dividends. But at the same time we have to stay focused and keep working hard.

On the current squad: This team have the potential to excel. I would also like to add that the grassroot programmes of the AIFF are excellent and in the long run, this will help a lot.

Where do you see yourself in the coming years? I want to become a coach. I want to guide more and more women in the right direction both on and off the field. If people see me as an inspiration, it’s my job to justify that faith.