Imphal: Dangmei Grace, an Indian women’s international footballer from Manipur, received a warm reception upon her arrival at Imphal airport on Friday evening.
Organised by Rongmei Naga Students’ Organisation Manipur (RNSOM), Grace was greeted in a traditional manner by her family, friends, representatives from various organisations and well-wishers.
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A native of Manipur from Bishnupur district, Dangmei Grace made a head turn in the Indian football when Gokulam Kerala announced that the striker has signed a professional contract with an Uzbekistan’s FC Nasaf, the second Indian women footballer to sign a professional contract overseas.
During her stint in the foreign club, Grace has won the Uzbekistan Women’s League with PFC Sevinch in November.
“For me, it’s very surprising because I was not expecting such crowd and warm reception. But I am very happy that many people came to received me at the airport,” said Grace.
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As of now, she’s yet to decide the next step, however, the Indian striker said that she is happy to be home.
“For me, I have gained lots of experience because the playing style here in India and the other countries has a huge difference. So, I think I have gained a lot of experience from them,” she added.
Grace started her international career in 2013 and has won the South Asian Games (2016, 2019) and SAFF Women’s Championships in 2016 and 2019.
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In 2019, she was also named the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) ‘Emerging Player of the Year’ and the same year, she won the Manipur Woman Footballer of the Year award.
NNN