AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: In the wee hours of Friday, when the nation was sleeping after a night of exuberant Diwali celebrations, a certain Riiohlang Dhar was busy setting up a new benchmark for Indian football in the faraway Dominican Republic.

Riiohlang, the 34-year-old FIFA Assistant Referee from Meghalaya, added a new chapter in the country’s football history when she supervised the semi-final between Spain and England at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 in the Dominican Republic. Spain won the match 3-0.

It is a big achievement for an Indian referee, but Riiohlang said: “I am fortunate to have been able to offer a Diwali gift to Indian football in my small way.”

She made it sound simple. Perhaps she is not the one to blow her own trumpet and talk about the hard work that earned her four matches in the ongoing U17 Women's World Cup.

Riiohlang, along with Referee Asaka Koizumi (Japan) and Assistant Referee Amal Badhafari (UAE), were the three-member group, who were among the busiest supervising officials in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 this time.

“I am happy to have done four important matches,” said Riiohlang, who is employed with the Meghalaya Police. “In the group stage, we started with Spain versus the USA and then the host team, the Dominican Republic’s match against New Zealand.

“I could impress, probably. After the group stage, we were retained and entrusted with one quarter-final (Nigeria vs USA) and the semi-final. The three FIFA Referee Assessors were from Spain and Sweden. I believe they were satisfied with the job I did on the pitch,” said Riiohlang.

The toil to reach the top was tremendous. It took its toll. Reaching the Dominican Republic was the initial challenge. Riiohlang narrated the story with a giggle, but it was enough to erase the smile from the faces of many.

“My journey began from my hometown Shillong to Guwahati in a car. From there, I took a flight to Delhi and then another flight to Istanbul. My next flight from Istanbul was delayed, so when I reached Panama, my scheduled connecting flight had already left.

“So I had to spend the next 14 hours at the Panama airport. I had no place to sleep and had nothing to eat. For some reason, all the shops and food counters at the Panama airport were closed. But finally, I reached Santo Domingo. It took me nearly three days.” One could clearly hear Riiohlang laughing on the phone from 14,500 kilometres away.

After reaching the Dominican Republic capital, Riiohlang could sleep for only three hours as she had to report for training for the Spain versus USA match. But she has no complaints. “I am returning home rich with experience,” she said.

In the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, the Football Video Support (VFS) system, a simplified alternative to VAR, was used. Under this system, the coaches (or a designated official) of the two participating teams can twice instantly challenge the referee’s decision in certain areas during a match. The referee will video review the particular incident and arrive at a decision.

“The use of this technology was new to me, but I found it interesting and adapted quickly. My offside decisions were never questioned, but my Referee Assessors offered me new tips which were hugely helpful,” said Riiohlang.

"Some people are telling me that I have done well and may get selected for bigger assignments. I really have no clue. More than the money or fame, we the referees do this job out of passion and love for football. I have worked hard, tirelessly. I have sacrificed my time and energy with utmost honesty. I will leave the Dominican Republic a satisfied person,” she said.