Farhin Imran
AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: The second day of the FIFA Capacity Building Workshop for women administrators, held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, featured a series of insightful sessions led by FIFA experts and external specialists.

Beyond the packed agenda and informative sessions, two voices stood out, echoing journeys of struggles and the spark of hope across borders – Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Indian national team player representing the Blue Tigresses’ decade-long growth in women’s football, and Pema Tshering, a Bhutan national team player and head of women’s football at the Bhutan Football Federation.

Ashalata, the 32-year-old defender, reflected on a trajectory of growth that was anything but easy. “When I first started playing for the national team, we didn’t travel by flights, mostly by train. Sometimes our tickets weren’t even confirmed, and we had to ask the ticket collector for help,” she recalled.

However, from scarce and limited beginnings, facilities have come a long way. Today, women players benefit from modern centres, equipped with quality pitches, academies, gyms, GPS trackers, and video analysis. “AIFF is trying hard to make things better for women’s football, step by step,” said the Manipuri defender, hopeful of a brighter future.

For Ashalata, the workshop was an opportunity to be heard off the pitch and to witness the change in action. Being surrounded by women administrators in the room, she said, “I always want more women to be in administrative roles in football. Only a woman can fully understand what another woman is going through. Balance in representation is necessary.”

Pema’s narrative offered parallels, yet a distinct perspective. Drawing on her combined experience as a player and administrator, she emphasised the need for diversity in decision-making. “Having administrators who have lived the experience of being players means we can design relevant actions and policies, on and off the field. It’s about being open, listening to each other, and creating safe spaces,” she said.

The shared spirits of both players underscored the truth that transcends borders – women’s football continues to demand collaboration, community and resilience driven by faith in its future.

As Ashalata put it, “If you love something, never give up. There will always be ups and downs, but if you enjoy it and it makes you happy. Fight for it and give it your all.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Bhutanese FIFA expert added, “If you want to be someone important in football, you have to be a fighter. The future is only going to be bright for us.”

The workshop in Delhi reaffirmed AIFF and FIFA’s commitment to strengthening women’s football across South Asia. By bringing together voices from across the subcontinent, the Federation reinforced that the future of women’s football will be built not only on policies and pitches, but on resilience, shared stories, and the power of women leading the way.