Born in Irengbam village, Bishnupur district in Manipur,[1] Bala Devi grew up playing the game with mainly boys.

[3] She was very influential in her state, winning the women's football championship in 2014, scoring a brace as Manipur defeated Odisha in the final 3–1.

[2] During the 2015 National Games of India, Devi represented her state as they won the gold medal.

[7][8] On 6 December 2020, she became the first Indian woman to score in a professional football league in Europe by netting for the Rangers, as they won against Motherwell by 9–0.

In December 2022, Devi moved to Spain along with Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, and underwent training cum trial stint at Spanish Segunda Federación club Málaga.

Despite being a part of the 2010 winning team, Devi was not included in the India squad that won the tournament again in 2012.

[20] She started the tournament in fantastic form as she scored four goals in the opening match against Maldives.

[22][23] Devi then scored five more goals in the final group stage match against Afghanistan on 17 November.

[27] However, in the final, Devi managed to find the net four times as India defeated Nepal 6–0 to claim their third straight SAFF Championship crown.