Trailblazing Triumph: Meghalaya’s Riiohlang Dhar Becomes AIFF’s First Best Female Assistant Referee
Riiohlang Dhar from Meghalaya has made history by winning the inaugural Best Female Assistant Referee award for the 2024-25 season at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) awards ceremony held in Bhubaneswar. This notable recognition marks the AIFF’s first inclusion of a female category, underscoring a significant step towards gender equality in Indian football.
Dhar’s award comes on the heels of her selection to officiate at the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 semifinals and final in China next month, making her the first Indian referee to participate in this prestigious continental club championship. Her achievements highlight a remarkable career that blends her responsibilities as a policewoman with her dedication to officiating in high-stakes matches.
As a FIFA-level assistant referee, Dhar boasts extensive international experience. Last year, she became just the second Indian match official to officiate at a World Cup, representing the nation at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Earlier this year, she further established her credentials by serving as an official at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup held in Indonesia.
The AIFF awards ceremony also recognized other outstanding female professionals in football. Manipur’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was honored as the Women’s Best Goalkeeper of the Year 2024-25, while Toijam Thoibisana, also from Manipur, received the title of AIFF Women’s Promising Player of the Year. Additionally, the prestigious AIFF Female Referee of the Year award was given to Tekcham Ranjita Devi, who has been a FIFA International Referee for the past seven years.
These honors not only celebrate individual talent but also aim to inspire the next generation of women in football. Dhar, alongside her peers, is paving the way for greater female representation in various roles within this popular sport, illustrating the progress being made in Indian football. Her achievements are a testament to hard work and determination against the backdrop of a historically male-dominated field.
Overall, Riiohlang Dhar’s recognition at the AIFF awards and her upcoming role in the AFC Women’s Champions League serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female referees and players alike. As the landscape of Indian football evolves, it promises to become increasingly inclusive, showcasing the talent and potential of women in the sport.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalayas-riiohlang-dhar-makes-history-as-aiffs-first-best-female-assistant-referee-1208521-2025-05-04?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-04 12:21:00
