Riiohlang Dhar: Charting New Horizons as FIFA U-17 Assistant Referee

Riiohlang Dhar has become the second Indian woman assistant referee selected for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic. She joins an elite list of 38 match officials and aims to uphold India's pride. Her journey in refereeing began in 2009 after her playing days ended.

Riiohlang Dhar has made history by becoming the second Indian woman assistant referee chosen for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Selected by FIFA as part of an elite group of 38 match officials, Dhar will participate in the tournament, which runs from October 10 to November 3.

Following in the footsteps of Uvena Fernandes, the first Indian woman to officiate at a World Cup in 2016, Riiohlang expressed immense pride in her appointment. 'My appointment for the World Cup has come as a great honour for me,' she said. 'I have to work harder to live up to FIFA's expectations and represent India.' Dhar, who started her refereeing career in 2009 after stopping football, looks forward to this new chapter in her journey.

K Sankar, Chairperson of the AIFF Referees' Committee, attributed Dhar's selection to her excellent performances in AFC and FIFA international matches, including key roles in this year's AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup. AIFF's secretary general, M Satyanarayan, described her nomination as an 'Independence Day gift,' highlighting strides in referee development. Dhar credited her success to collective efforts and support from various organizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)