Riiohlang Dhar: Breaking New Ground in Football Officiating

Riiohlang Dhar, a leading figure in Indian football, has been selected as an assistant referee for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic from October 10 to November 3. Dhar’s appointment marks her as only the second Indian woman to achieve this honor, following Uvena Fernandes, who officiated at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan.

At 34 years old and from Meghalaya, Dhar is celebrated for her dedication and articulate nature. Being named one of the 38 match officials for this global event is a significant recognition of her hard work. In an interview with The Print, Dhar expressed her pride and commitment, saying, “My appointment for the World Cup is a great honor. I will work harder to meet FIFA’s expectations and represent India with pride.”

Dhar’s football journey began in 2009 when she shifted from playing to officiating. “After I stopped playing football, I joined a referee course in my local town. I found it interesting and decided to stay connected with the sport I love,” she explained. Over the years, Dhar has officiated at numerous international tournaments, with the World Cup being a notable milestone in her career.

Her selection for the World Cup is a well-earned achievement. K Sankar, Chairperson of the AIFF Referees’ Committee, commended her performance in various AFC and FIFA matches, including the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia. “Her excellent performance has earned her this significant appointment. We wish her the best for the World Cup,” Sankar said.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been dedicated to advancing refereeing, and Dhar’s selection underscores their efforts. AIFF Secretary General M Satyanarayan highlighted this achievement as a testament to progress in referee development, including recent initiatives like appointing zonal referees’ development officers.

As Riiohlang Dhar prepares for this prestigious event, her accomplishment serves as an inspiration to aspiring referees and a proud moment for Indian football.

Sushmita Chowdhary, Staff Reporter.