Indian football has experienced a historic 138% surge in the registration of women players over the past two years, indicating a significant growth in the sport’s popularity and an increase in young female athletes pursuing football professionally.
According to data from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Central Registration System (CRS), India now boasts 27,936 registered female footballers as of March 2024, compared to 11,724 in June 2022.
Kalyan Chaubey, President of AIFF, credited this growth to various initiatives implemented during the current season, including the introduction of the Indian Women’s League (IWL-2) as a second-tier competition.
The 2022-23 season of the IWL took place in Ahmedabad, featuring 16 teams in a single venue, with Gokulam Kerala FC clinching their third consecutive title. In the following season (2023-24), the format shifted to a ‘home-and-away’ structure, receiving widespread praise from clubs, players, and fans. Odisha FC emerged victorious, ending Gokulam Kerala FC’s three-year dominance and earning the opportunity to represent India in AFC continental competition.
The inaugural IWL-2 witnessed the participation of 15 clubs in the group stage, with six advancing to the final round scheduled for the next month in Kolkata.
India currently hosts 24 active State Leagues for women’s football, serving as the third tier of the pyramid and contributing to the sport’s widespread adoption across the country.
Chaubey said that over the past 16-18 months, they have taken incremental steps with a concentrated focus on women’s football. This current season marks a significant turning point for Indian football in multiple aspects.
He mentioned that they’re witnessing rapid growth in women’s football across India. Both players and clubs are benefiting from increased game time, driven by a rise in domestic matches, which has intensified competition. The prospect of participating in the AFC Women’s Cup, organized by the AFC, serves as a major incentive for Indian clubs today.
Looking ahead, the AIFF President emphasised that women’s football will receive more priority in the coming years, ensuring sustained development and progress in the sport.