Bembem Devi Oinam
Bembem Devi Oinam (born 4 April 1980 in Imphal, Manipur) is an Indian football coach and former midfielder who played for India and Manipur. Known as the Durga of Indian Football, she has helped raise awareness of women’s football in India. She received the Arjuna Award in 2017 and the Padma Shri in 2020.
Early life and club career
- She began training in 1988 at United Pioneers Club in Imphal.
- She represented Manipur at the state level from the early days and became captain of the Manipur women’s team.
- At club level, she played for Manipur, New Radiant SC in the Maldives (where she scored several goals), and Eastern Sporting Union.
International career
- Oinam made her India debut at age 15 against Guam in the Asian Women's Championships.
- She played for India from 1995 to 2016, earning 82 caps and scoring 18 goals.
- She captained India in major qualifiers and helped the team win SAFF Women's Championship titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
- Her last international match was in 2016 against Nepal at the South Asian Games in Shillong.
Coaching and later work
- After retiring, she moved into coaching and management, including leading Eastern Sporting Union and serving as an assistant coach for India’s U17 women's team.
- She has worked with Manipur Police and Manipur Women in recent years.
Honours
- Arjuna Award (2017)
- Padma Shri (2020)
- SAFF Women's Championship winner: 2010, 2012, 2014
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:39 (CET).