New Delhi : The dream of seeing the Indian women’s football team play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup remains very much alive — that’s the emphatic message from Ashalata Devi, one of the country’s most experienced and influential footballers.
“Our dream of the World Cup is still alive. We still have to work even harder at this time,” Ashalata told PTI, highlighting both belief and the challenges ahead.
2026: A Defining Year for Indian Women’s Football
Ashalata pointed out that India’s Under-17, Under-19 and senior women’s teams have qualified for their respective AFC Asian Championships — events that could shape the nation’s qualification path for a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. “If we do well there, obviously our dream of the World Cup is still alive,” she said.
As one of the most capped players in Indian women’s football history — with over 100 international appearances and multiple stints as captain — Ashalata has seen the team evolve. But she says there’s still ground to make up to meet world-class standards.
“We have been doing better for a long time, but still according to world-class levels, we are not there yet. Still, we are trying a lot,” she added.
Grassroots Is the Key
For Ashalata, the real game-changer lies in developing talent from a young age. She stressed that many players begin formal training around ages 10 or 11, but believes starting at five or six would significantly improve skill levels later on.
“After 17 or 18 years, teaching skills like ball control becomes very difficult … that’s why grassroots football is very important,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of state associations, saying that football development shouldn’t rest solely with the national federation. “Everything cannot be done only at the top level,” she noted.
Life Beyond Playing: Giving Back to the Game
Off the pitch, Ashalata has already turned her attention toward nurturing the next generation. Along with fellow international Aditi Chauhan, she started the Ashalata Devi Football Festival (ADFF) in Imphal — an initiative that combines football training with education, so young players don’t have to choose between sport and school.
“When I was young, I couldn’t manage football and school together because there was no academy near my house… I don’t want the next generation to face what I struggled with,” she explained.
The response has been encouraging — nearly 48 young players participated, far exceeding initial expectations.
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