In a groundbreaking development for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has reported a monumental surge of 138% in women's player registrations over the past 21 months.
This remarkable increase not only underscores the growing popularity of the sport but also signifies a significant rise in the number of young female athletes embracing football as a professional pursuit.
According to data from the AIFF Central Registration System (CRS), India now boasts a staggering 27,936 registered female footballers as of March 2024, marking a substantial leap from the 11,724 recorded in June 2022.
This exponential growth in women's football participation reflects a positive trajectory for the sport, indicative of the concerted efforts aimed at promoting gender inclusivity and fostering talent development across the country.
Kalyan Chaubey, the President of AIFF, attributes this remarkable surge to a series of strategic initiatives implemented during the current season, notably the introduction of the second-tier competition, the Indian Women's League (IWL-2).
Chaubey expressed optimism about the future of women's football in India, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent and providing a conducive environment for players to thrive.
The 2022-23 season of the Indian Women's League witnessed a significant milestone with matches held at a single venue in Ahmedabad among 16 participating teams.
Gokulam Kerala FC emerged as champions for the third consecutive year, showcasing the growing competitiveness of women's football in the country. Building on this success, the subsequent season (2023-24) adopted a 'home-and-away' format, garnering praise from clubs, players, and fans alike.
Odisha FC clinched the title, ending Gokulam Kerala FC's dominance and earning the opportunity to represent India in AFC continental competitions.
The inaugural edition of IWL-2 witnessed the active participation of 15 clubs in the group stage, with six teams advancing to the final round scheduled in Kolkata.
This expansion of the league format reflects AIFF's commitment to providing more opportunities for female players to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level.
Additionally, India currently boasts 24 active State Leagues for women's football, serving as the foundation of the grassroots development pyramid. These state-level leagues play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, engaging communities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity within the sport.
Looking ahead, Kalyan Chaubey reaffirms AIFF's unwavering commitment to prioritising women's football, with plans for further expansion and development in the coming years.
With increased visibility, enhanced infrastructure, and growing support, women's football in India is poised for continued growth and success on both national and international stages.
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