Ashalata Devi, a central figure in Indian women's football, believes that India's ambition to participate in the FIFA Women's World Cup remains a tangible dream. However, she emphasizes that consistent progress at the grassroots level is vital to close the gap between India and the world's leading teams.

Devi's career is decorated with significant achievements. She is considered one of Asia's finest defenders and the first woman footballer to play 100 matches for the Indian national team. Her journey began in 2008 when she was selected for the India U17 team at the age of 15. By 2011, she had earned a spot on the senior team, and she currently captains the squad. She played a key role in India's qualification attempt for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Her contributions have led to multiple titles, including gold medals at the South Asian Games in 2016 and 2019, and four consecutive SAFF Women's Championship victories in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2019. In 2019, she was nominated for the AFC Women's Player of the Year award and was named AIFF Women's Player of the Year for her outstanding performance in the 2018–19 campaign.

Devi has also spoken about the positive shift in attitudes towards women's football in India. She noted that while acceptance was initially a challenge, she now enjoys strong support from her community. She is also actively involved in initiatives that combine football with education, aiming to create a brighter future for aspiring female footballers.

Looking ahead, Devi recognizes the importance of showcasing women's football to a wider audience. She believes that hosting tournaments like the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup can significantly boost the sport's popularity and inspire the next generation of players. She urged the people of India to support the tournament, which she believes will turn India into a hotspot for women's football.