Shillong, May 3: The female referee from Meghalaya, Riiohlang Dhar was awarded with the Best Female Assistant Referee award for the 2024-25 season by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) during its annual awards ceremony held in Bhubaneswar on Friday afternoon.

As it is the first time the AIFF has introduced a separate category to recognise female assistant referees—highlighting the federation’s push for greater gender inclusivity in the sport.

Dhar’s award comes on the heels of another major achievement: her selection as an assistant referee for the upcoming semifinals and final of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25, set to be held in China next month. Her inclusion not only represents a personal milestone but also a national one, as she becomes the first Indian to be appointed to officiate at this elite continental club competition.

A FIFA-certified assistant referee, Dhar has built an impressive career on the international stage. She was only the second Indian match official to appear at a FIFA World Cup event, having officiated at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic last year. Earlier this year, she also served as a match official at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia.

In addition to her football commitments, Dhar continues to serve her community as a police officer with the Meghalaya Police, further underlining her dedication and multifaceted contribution to both society and sport.

Also Read: Two Meghalaya climbers complete ‘Grade A’ courses at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

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