In a development that will certainly boost women’s football in the country, Maldives champions New Radiant SC announced the signings of India senior women’s national team players Oinam Bembem Devi and Lako Phuti Bhutia ahead of their Women’s Championship set to begin today.

“We have added two foreign players to our women’s team ahead of their first game in the competition on June 9,” a release on the club’s website read.

“Both defender Lako and midfielder Bembem are from India and represent India in their national women’s team.”

Bembem, 2013 AIFF Women’s Player of the Year and the longest serving female player, has scored eleven goals for her country in 18 appearances, while Lako, has one  to her name from eight caps.

The New Radiant women’s team will face Maldives National Defence Force (MNDP) in the opening game of Women’s Championship.

The duo is likely to join the squad ahead of New Radiant’s third match on June 13.