First ever Round Table on 'Road map for Women's Soccer in India: Challenges and Strategies for Action" held

New Delhi: The Round Table on 'Road map for Women's Soccer in India: Challenges and Strategies for Action" organized by CEQUIN and supported by UNDP took place at the India International Centre on 1st October 2013. It was the first time that such a diverse and rich array of stakeholders from across the world- media, government, All India Football Federation (AIFF), FIFA, NGOs, Corporates and Media- gathered under one roof with the specific agenda of taking women’s football forward in India.

Speaking on the occasion Sara Pilot, Chairperson CEQUIN and Chairperson of AIFF’s Women’s Committee said
“At CEQUIN, working on women’s development and leadership in relation to soccer we felt the need to take it to the next level by getting all the stakeholders in one place for creating a road map for Women’s football. ”


Currently, the Indian Women’s Football team are the reigning SAF champions, ranked 50th in the World and 10th in Asia. They are more than a 100 places ahead of the Indian men’s team and there is tremendous potential for growth and development.

This meeting resulted in the creation of a task force designed to support the AIFF’s target of a top 5 Asia ranking over for the women’s team over the next 3 years.

Michele Keri, FIFA Women’s Football Committee member was impressed by the level of engagement of those present. “
There is really a will to move the game forward. Mr. Das’s [General Secretary AIFF] presence here today shows that they are serious with regard to developing women’s football. Having such buy in from the leadership of the federation is absolutely critical. I am really excited for women’s football in India and seeing where the game goes in the future. “

CEQUIN, in partnership with other stakeholders, is in the process of creating a common media resource for all information on women’s football in India.