Riiohlang Dhar, a 34-year-old assistant referee from Meghalaya, India, has achieved a significant milestone in her career. She has been selected as one of the match officials for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, to be held in the Dominican Republic from October 10th to November 3rd. This makes her the second Indian woman assistant referee to participate in the World Cup, following in the footsteps of Uvena Fernandes who officiated in the 2016 edition in Jordan.
Dhar expressed her immense pride and honor at the appointment, stating that it motivates her to work even harder to meet FIFA’s expectations and represent India with distinction on the global stage. Her journey into refereeing began in 2009, after she retired from playing football. She pursued a refereeing course in her hometown, finding it a fulfilling way to stay connected with the sport she loves. Her dedication has led her to officiate at numerous international tournaments, but the World Cup is a unique and exciting prospect.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recognizes Dhar’s outstanding performance in international matches as a key factor in her selection. Her impressive officiating in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia, including the semi-finals and third-place play-off, earned her high praise. The AIFF’s Chairperson of the Referees’ Committee, K. Sankar, highlighted her exceptional performance and expressed pride in Dhar’s achievement, wishing her success in the World Cup.
The AIFF’s Secretary General, M. Satyanarayan, viewed Dhar’s selection as a significant achievement for Indian football, especially given the federation’s recent focus on referee development. The appointment of five zonal referees’ development officers and the successful Elite Referees’ Development Programme are testaments to this commitment. Dhar attributes her success to teamwork, acknowledging the vital support from her state association, the AIFF, and her employers. She also recognizes the AIFF’s dedication to fostering the growth of women’s referees, which has greatly benefitted her and many others.
Riiohlang Dhar’s selection for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is a momentous occasion, highlighting the rising prominence of women in football refereeing. It’s a testament to her commitment, talent, and the strides being made in the development of women’s officiating within the sport.
