Iconic women footballer Bembem Oinam retires

New Delhi: Iconic Indian footballer Bembem Oinam announced her retirement after nearly 25 years of playing career on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old midfielder shared the news through a Facebook page, and she wrote: "I have been lucky enough to have had a wonderful career representing my country for 20 years and the State team for 24 years."

She became the captain of national women's team in 2003, and led to 2010 South Asian Games gold medal - India's first major title.

The Manipuri was also named as the AIFF Women's Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2013.

In 2014, she became the first Indian women player to play in a foreign professional league by joining Maldives side New Radiant. She helped the team to the title, and also becoming the highest scorer.

The AIFF 21st Senior Women's National will be her last tournament.

Preliminary zonal competition already happened with top two teams from each Zone (North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone, North East Zone) playing in the tournament proper.