By Our Reporter
Shillong, Aug 17: In a proud moment for Indian football, Riiohlang Dhar, a 34-year-old assistant referee from Meghalaya, has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
This prestigious appointment makes her the second Indian woman to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Uvena Fernandes who officiated at the 2016 edition.
Dhar, who serves in the Meghalaya police department, expressed her elation at the news, highlighting the hard work and dedication required to meet FIFA’s high standards. She also emphasized her commitment to representing India with pride on the global stage.
With a refereeing career spanning over 15 years, Dhar has steadily climbed the ranks, officiating numerous international tournaments. However, the World Cup presents a unique challenge and opportunity for her.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has lauded Dhar’s selection, attributing her success to her exceptional performance in recent AFC and FIFA matches, including the semi-final and third-place playoff of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.
The AIFF also emphasized its commitment to referee development, citing initiatives such as the appointment of zonal referees’ development officers and the Elite Referees’ Development Programme.
Dhar expressed gratitude to her state association, the AIFF, and her employers for their support, acknowledging their crucial role in her journey to the World Cup. She also praised the AIFF’s efforts in developing women’s referees in India.
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held from October 10 to November 3.