As women’s football continues to grow in India, the role of women beyond the playing field is also gaining greater importance. From match commissioners and administrators to association leaders and decision-makers, women are steadily becoming an integral part of the football ecosystem. Sudeshna Mukherjee, Match Commissioner at the All India Football Federation and Assistant Secretary of the Indian Football Association, believes that sincerity, continuous learning and the ability to learn from experience have shaped her journey. Drema Choiki, recently elected as the first woman VicePresident of the Tawang District Football Association, feels that equal opportunities, professional training, practical exposure and mentorship can help create stronger pathways for women in football administration. Together, their journeys reflect the growing opportunities for women to contribute to the sport both on and off the field.
For Sudeshna Mukherjee, learning from every experience has been an important part of her journey. “I have always believed in doing my work sincerely and giving it my best. I have made mistakes along the way, but I have never allowed them to discourage me. Instead, I have taken every experience as an opportunity to learn, reflect and improve,” she said.
Mukherjee believes women’s contribution to football is now extending well beyond the pitch. “Women’s contribution to football is no longer limited to playing the game. Today, women are also taking up important responsibilities in administration, management, officiating and organisation. This is a very positive change for Indian football,” she added.
The AFC Women’s Champions League in Kolkata is helping bring greater visibility to women’s football and can inspire more women to explore opportunities beyond playing. “Exposure like the AFC Women’s Champions League can inspire young women to become administrators, referees, match commissioners and team managers. When they see other women taking up these responsibilities, it can give them the confidence to pursue similar paths,” said Mukherjee.
Drema Choiki believes the next step is to create stronger pathways for women to take up meaningful responsibilities across the sport. “Women have the ability, knowledge and leadership skills to contribute to every aspect of the sport. We need to create an environment where women have equal access to opportunities, training, responsibilities and decision-making positions,” said Choiki.
She highlighted several areas that can help build that pathway, including equal opportunities at national, state and district levels, specialised training and certification programmes, and greater practical exposure through tournaments and matches. “Mentorship and encouragement are also very important. Experienced officials and administrators should guide young women and help them understand the different career opportunities available in football,” she said.
Choiki also stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment where women receive respect, safety and equal professional treatment, while being entrusted with genuine responsibilities and decision-making authority.
The growing visibility of women’s football, including India’s participation in the AFC Women’s Champions League, can further inspire young women to explore opportunities across the game. For both Mukherjee and Choiki, the vision is of an Indian football ecosystem where women’s presence in administration, officiating and leadership is not an exception, but a natural part of the sport’s continued development.
