India's Uvena Fernandes to officiate in FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup final. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
Days after Uvena Fernandes wrote history and became the first Indian woman assistant Referee to officiate in a FIFA World Cup, Uvena is all set to etch her name in the history books again by becoming the first Indian woman assistant referee appointed to officiate in a FIFA World Cup Final, when Japan face DPR Korea in the Final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan on October 21, 2016.
Uvena has already officiated in three FIFA matches and would take charge in her fourth come October 21, bringing not only Indian Women’s Refereeing to the grande stage, but also inspiring the young women populace to take up refereeing, leading to the exhaustive development of Women’s Football.
Lauding Uvena’s achievement Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF said that the manner AIFF have focused on refereeing development, “it was on the cards.”
“Development of Indian referees stays on our priority list. It’s nice to see Indian referees get International recognition, that too, an appointment to officiate in a World Cup Final. Congratulations Uvena. I wish her all the best,” he told AIFF Media.
Meanwhile, All India Football Federation’s Head of Referees Col. (Retd.) Goutam Kar said, “This is a historic moment for Indian football. Her success at that level in refereeing is completely due to her own commitment, diligence and faith in herself. She is role model for younger generation of referees and we hope she can inspire more women to take up refereeing.”
“The AIFF is committed to support each and every referee for his or her growth and we hope to produce many more Uvenas in the coming future,” Kar added.
(Report & Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)