Rangers have completed the signing of Manipur Police Sports Club’s Bala Devi, making her the first Indian woman to become a professional footballer.
The 29-year-old has signed an 18-month contract after impressing on trial with Rangers late last year.
Devi, who is India captain and has 52 goals in 55 games, is the first Asian international to sign for Rangers.
Rangers believe that the move is a huge step forward for the Scottish game but also believe that Devi will be a valuable asset, with coach Amy MacDonald as a playmaker who can offer “vitality” to the team’s attack.
Bala described the move as “a dream” and said that she wanted to act as a role model for other Indian players.
“I hope my move to Rangers serves as an example to all the women footballers back home in India who dream of taking up the sport professionally,” she told Rangers website.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of the top-class facilities and coaching and I am certain I will benefit immensely from the standard of training and competition.
“I’m very grateful to Amy McDonald, the coaching staff and the entire management at Rangers for believing in me.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
