AIFF President vows support to growing women’s football in India

AIFF President

All India Football Federation is extremely proud of you. I am very proud of you. The entire country is also very proud of you,” AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel told the Indian Senior Women’s National team contingent in an official meeting in the Capital on Tuesday (July 9, 2019).

The Indian Women’s National team squad are currently training in Delhi for preparation of the Cotif Cup later this month, and also the AFC Qualifiers scheduled later.

“We have been focusing a lot on women’s football in our effort to bring glory to the sport. We know that one cannot improve without sufficient exposure. Hence, we have been stressing on exposure tours for the team. Till the time you play better teams, one cannot improve,” the AIFF President stated.

Since January 2019, the Indian Senior Women’s National Team have been to Hong Kong, Indonesia, Turkey for exposure tours, and went into the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 on back of experience of having played 15 international matches in less than three months. The women also successfully defended their Women’s Senior SAFF Championship crown, and will now head to the Cotif Cup having played 18 international matches.

AIFF Women’s Player of the Year 2018-19 Ashalata Devi “thanked AIFF for all the support.” “We are very thankful for the exposure trips which helped us immensely. We are a much more confident unit now. Playing in Spain, and Turkey helped us to play at a high intensity,” Ashalata quipped.

Mr. Patel also mentioned about the impact the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 have had on Indian Football, and maintained that he foresees women’s football receiving a similar fillip as India are to host the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020. “The U-17 Women’s World Cup will be a significant step to improve women’s football in India. You need to remember that the players who will play in the World Cup idolise you, and look up to you. It’s you who inspire them,” Mr. Patel explained.

Former Indian National Team captain, and currently Director, National teams Abhishek Yadav felt the “women’s team have come a long way in the last one year.”

“They have put up exceptional performances, and I would like to congratulate them for their achievements. I am also very confident that the federation, and the government will extend all their support for the team for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup,” he said.

“You are a comparatively new squad. Utilise the exposure, and build up your career. The manner in which you have been playing has been commendable. You have to further move forward,” Mr. Patel added. “It’s our duty to support you, and women’s football, and will.”

“The changing character of Indian Football is reflected in your squad. I see many girls from the north eastern region of India in the team. The passion in the team is unmistakable. We want Indian Football to be broad based.”

– Courtesy of AIFF Media
Also Read: AIFF President vows support to growing women’s football in India
Also Read: Clifford (Miranda) and Mahesh Gawli inspired me to play for India: Mandar Rao Dessai

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share