Hemam Shilky Devi is a dominant defensive midfielder who has quickly become a tactical leader for both East Bengal FC and the Indian National Team. Known for her incredible versatility and intelligence, she famously transitioned from a high-scoring youth striker to a commanding defensive anchor. At just 20 years old, she has already won major domestic and international trophies, proving herself as one of the most exciting and mature talents in Asian football.
At a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Hemam Shilky Devi |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 2005 |
| Place of Birth | Moirang, Manipur, India |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder / Center-Back |
| Current Club | East Bengal FC |
| National Team | India |
The Story So Far
Growing up in Moirang, Manipur, football was more than a game for Shilky Devi—it was a potential lifeline for her family. Born to parents who worked as cooks, Shilky was raised with a strong work ethic. Her brother, Bijoyo, who currently runs a small hotel in Moirang, was her earliest supporter, taking her to train when there were no dedicated academies for girls in their area. By training at a local boys’ academy, Shilky developed the physical toughness and ball-shielding skills that define her game today.
Her journey to the top was marked by resilience. After moving to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Academy in Imphal, she faced a major setback when she was rejected from the Manipur state team trials in 2016. Instead of giving up, she returned the following year, earned her spot, and was quickly scouted for the national youth setup. During her time with the Indian Arrows, coaches recognized her unique vision and began moving her from a forward role into defensive positions to better utilize her ability to read the game.
Shilky’s professional career took off at Gokulam Kerala FC, where she won the Indian Women’s League (IWL) in her debut season and was eventually named the league’s Best Midfielder for the 2024-25 season. In August 2025, she made a landmark move to East Bengal FC. She cemented her status as a club legend by scoring a vital header in the 2025 SAFF Women’s Club Championship final, helping East Bengal become the first Indian club to win an international women’s title.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Shilky Devi is a tactical chameleon, a rare player with the intelligence to master multiple zones of the pitch. While she began as a striker, her career was redefined when national coaches moved her to defense to take advantage of her spatial awareness. She now thrives as a defensive midfielder, acting as the team’s quarterback.
- Vision and Distribution: Shilky is the primary outlet for transitioning the ball from defense to attack. She excels at breaking the lines with vertical passes and switching play to the wings with accurate long-range balls.
- Defensive Anticipation: Her background as a center-back has given her elite positioning. She rarely needs to make desperate tackles because she intercepts passes and closes down lanes before they become dangerous.
- Aerial Dominance: Despite not being the tallest player, her timing in the air is impeccable. This makes her a massive threat during attacking set-pieces, as shown by her looping header in the SAFF Championship final.
- Long-Range Shooting: A newer weapon in her arsenal is her ability to score from distance, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to her offensive contributions.
Future Outlook
As of early 2026, the player once known as the “Wonder Girl” of Asia has matured into a commanding general. With 27 international caps and high-level experience in the AFC Women’s Champions League, she is positioned to be the cornerstone of the Indian midfield for the next decade. Her leadership under fire and her constant evolution suggest she will remain one of the most influential figures in the rapid professionalization of Indian football.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
| Year/Season | Achievement | Team | Result |
| 2025 | SAFF Women’s Club Championship | East Bengal FC | Champion |
| 2024-25 | IWL Best Midfielder | Gokulam Kerala | Individual Award |
| 2025-26 | Senior Women’s National Championship | Manipur | Champion |
| 2022-23 | Indian Women’s League (IWL) | Gokulam Kerala | Champion |
| 2022 | Youngest Player in AFC Women’s Asian Cup | India | Record |
| 2018 | SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship | India U-15 | Champion |
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2025-26 | East Bengal FC | AWCL Group Stage | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025-26 | East Bengal FC | SAFF Club Championship | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 2025-26 | East Bengal FC | Indian Women’s League | 2 | 0 | 1 |
