FIFA Countdown Begins: India Women's Football Team Ranks 56th In World

The FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier tournament is all set to start in Pyongyang in April. The Indian Women’s National Football team now ranks 54, slipping down two places from their previous ranking.

They earned a total of 1404 points prior to ranking, slipping from 1412 points they had earned the last time.

However, when it comes to exposure, India doesn’t get many chances. Aditi Chauhan, goalkeeper of the West Ham United Ladies Club in England and the Indian women’s team goalkeeper had said earlier, “The AIFF (All India Football Federation) has put in a lot of effort towards developing women’s football and it will be even better if the private sector also contributes a bit more.”

Also read: Aditi Chauhan Wants To See Structured Leagues In Women’s Football

Last time, the Indian women's team played was on 4th January 2017, when it showed a stellar performance and defeated Bangladesh with 3-1 in Siliguri.

The Indian women’s team is ranked 54 in the world, which is higher than the men’s ranking of 129

“Obviously, I believe that a girl has a lot of potential. They are very strong and focussed mentally and that helps them to do well. When it comes to sports, once we set our targets and believe in we can do, we achieve many things,” Aditi said. She is optimistic but since the team lacks proper activities and doesn’t go for tournaments for over two months, there is instability in ranking.

READ: Women Footballers Don’t Have A Long History In India: Aditi Chauhan

The team is gearing up for the next challenge and will start playing from early next month in the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifiers. They will be playing against DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. Hong Kong ranks 65, lower than India.

The FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier will surely bring out the best among the Indian players and hopefully we will get to see an increase in participation from women in the game.

READ: Pak Women’s Football Team Does The Coolest Mannequin Challenge

Feature Image Credit: dnaindia.com

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