Kolkata: It’s unusual to see an international player in a match official’s jersey at such a young age, but Lalhruaizeli (Nupuii) Khiangte is breaking that norm. The 28-year-old from Mizoram represented India during the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Qualifying Round in Jordan in 2014, before shifting her career focus to refereeing the following year. Reflecting on her start, Nupuii noted, “When I began refereeing in 2015, there was no women’s league in India, just a national championship.”
Despite the challenges of the time, Nupuii made a thoughtful career choice at just 18, a decision that has since paid off. In August, she became the second female from Mizoram to officiate an international match at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, where India emerged victorious. “Even though it was my first international tournament, I had an incredible experience both on and off the field. I learned so much from my peers and from our referee assessor Tayeb Shamsuzzaman. This experience will definitely enhance my confidence and help me pursue my dream of officiating at a FIFA international competition soon,” she shared with enthusiasm.
Living in Aizawl within a sporty family, Nupuii appreciates the unwavering support of her relatives. “My father plays badminton, my elder sister is a physiotherapist, my elder brother plays volleyball, and my younger brother is a basketball player. My mother supports us all, so growing up in a sporting family has been wonderful,” she explained. She also credited the Mizoram Football Association (MFA) for their encouragement, stating that they regularly involve her in local tournaments like the Mizoram Premier League, RFYC Naupang League, and others, ensuring she gains valuable match experience.
Introduced to football in sixth grade, Nupuii has represented Mizoram in sub-junior, junior, and senior national championships, and was part of the national squad during the AFC U-19 qualifying round in 2014. She transitioned to refereeing in 2015 and became a national referee in 2022. “The Indian Women’s League was initiated in 2016, which made refereeing more favorable for me within the nation and my state,” she explained, citing increased tournaments in Mizoram as a significant factor in her development as an official.
To aspiring referees, Nupuii advises, “I encourage budding referees to take part in all developmental programs available and to not hesitate in officiating various tournaments-be it junior or senior levels. They should learn and evolve from every match they oversee.” With the momentum from her SAFF experience, Nupuii is ready to tackle greater challenges in her career. “I know there’s still a long path ahead, but I am inspired by the achievements of senior Indian referees. The SAFF U-17 Championship is a crucial stepping stone toward reaching their level in the future,” she concluded.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/a-new-mizo-ref-rence-point-in-football/articleshow/124290066.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-10-03 16:34:00
