Shillong: In a landmark moment for Indian football, Riiohlang Dhar from Meghalaya has been crowned the inaugural Best Female Assistant Referee of the year 2024-25 at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) awards held in Bhubaneswar. This prestigious recognition marks a significant step forward as the AIFF introduces a dedicated female category for this award for the very first time.
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Dhar’s achievement at the national level comes on the heels of her selection to officiate at the upcoming AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25 semifinals and final in China next month. This selection makes her the first-ever Indian referee to officiate at this esteemed continental club championship.
Balancing her duties as a policewoman with the Meghalaya Police, Dhar has risen to become a highly respected FIFA-level assistant referee with a wealth of international experience. Her officiating journey reached a significant milestone last year when she became only the second Indian match official to participate in a FIFA World Cup, taking part in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup held in the Dominican Republic. Earlier this year, her expertise was also recognised with an appointment as an official at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia.
The AIFF awards ceremony also celebrated the achievements of other distinguished female football professionals. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu from Manipur was honoured with the Women’s Best Goalkeeper of the Year 2024-25 award, while her fellow state-mate from Manipur, Toijam Thoibisana, was recognised as the AIFF Women’s Promising Player of the Year. The AIFF Female Referee of the Year award was bestowed upon Manipur’s Tekcham Ranjita Devi, a FIFA International Referee with seven years of experience.
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