Ashalata Devi: Championing Change in Indian Women's Football

Ashalata Devi, a prominent figure in Indian women's football, underscores the dream of reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development. She highlights the progress made by Indian teams and her initiatives to combine football with education, aiming for a brighter future.

Indian women's football icon Ashalata Devi remains hopeful about the national team's chances of making it to the FIFA Women's World Cup, insisting that foundational development is vital to competing against global powerhouses.

During an interview, Ashalata highlighted the successes of the Under-17, Under-19, and senior teams in qualifying for the AFC Asian Championships, marking 2026 as a pivotal year for Indian women's football. She stressed the team's persistent progress while acknowledging the gap to world-class standards.

Beyond her playing career, Ashalata has launched the Ashalata Devi Football Festival, focused on integrating football training with education, helping young players avoid the struggles she faced. The initiative has already surpassed expectations, fostering hope for the future of Indian women's football.

(With inputs from agencies.)