Words by Dimpal Bajwa
For decades, football in India has been seen as a male-dominated sport, but the tide is turning. Women are stepping onto the field, proving their mettle and rewriting the narrative of Indian football. Yet, challenges remain—lack of infrastructure, societal expectations, and limited opportunities continue to hinder their progress.
Bhaichung Bhutia, a legend in Indian football and an advocate for sports development, strongly believes that women’s participation in football isn’t just about the game—it’s about resilience, empowerment, and shaping stronger individuals. In this exclusive conversation, he sheds light on how football can be a game-changer for women, the steps needed to level the playing field, and why India must invest in its women athletes now more than ever.
You’ve been a mentor and role model for many. How do you believe sports, especially football, can empower young women and encourage them to pursue their passions?
Football, being a team sport, plays a crucial role in empowering women. It fosters teamwork, strengthens social bonds, and instills a competitive spirit—teaching players how to handle both victory and defeat. Beyond the game, it builds resilience and mental toughness, which are essential for facing life’s challenges.
For young women, engaging in football not only enhances physical fitness but also instills discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of determination. The experiences they gain on the field—overcoming obstacles, pushing limits, and working towards a common goal—translate into invaluable life skills. Sports, and football in particular, provide a foundation for personal growth, helping women navigate their future with greater strength and confidence.
In a male-dominated field like football, how important is it to support women in sports, both at the grassroots level and in professional settings?
In India, women’s football has outperformed men’s football in terms of rankings and overall progress. However, despite this, the support for women in football remains significantly lacking. There is an urgent need for stronger backing, from proper training academies to well-structured grassroots tournaments, to ensure that young girls have the same opportunities to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure and encouragement at an early stage. Parents and communities need to actively support girls in taking up football—not just as a career option, but also for its numerous health and social benefits. The more we invest in women’s football today, the stronger and more competitive the sport will become.
Having witnessed the challenges within the sports industry, what steps do you think are necessary to create more opportunities for women in football and other sports?
I think we need to create and provide more opportunities for girls to play. The most important thing is that we need more training academies and proper football competitions, especially for girls and women. This is essential in India.
At Bhaichung Bhutia Football School, we encourage girls to take up football coaching and training because we want more of them to join in large numbers and start playing the sport.
What role do you think male athletes, coaches, and leaders play in promoting women’s participation and leadership in sports? Have you seen any positive shifts in this area over the years?
Male coaches are definitely present, but I personally want to see more women coaches as well. However, there are currently more male coaches because, in India, more men have played football at a higher level. Statistically, more male coaches are also licensed to train kids across different age groups, including both girls and boys. That’s why male coaches dominate the field and have been training both genders. Ultimately, though, it would be great to see greater participation from women and more women taking up coaching roles.
You’ve achieved so much in your career. What message would you like to send to young girls who aspire to break barriers and enter male-dominated fields?
My message to all young girl footballers is to play with passion and love and set an example for other girls, proving that they can make it big and become role models for women’s football in India.
When I started, nobody believed one could build a career or achieve so much through football—but it happened. I’m confident that the same is possible for women as well. They should be the trendsetters who change the landscape of women’s football in India.
How important is it for women to have equal representation in sports media, and what impact do you think this could have on the younger generation?
It is crucial to have equal representation of women in sports media, as they can bring forward the women’s perspective and provide more coverage of women’s football. This would undoubtedly help the sport grow, encouraging greater participation and visibility for women in football.
Women athletes often face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts. In your view, what can be done at a policy level to make sports more inclusive and supportive for women?
Yes, women do face certain challenges compared to men, particularly when it comes to safety at training facilities, centers, and grounds, which need to be significantly improved. The comfort and safety of women in sports are extremely important. To encourage more women to participate, the playing conditions must be supportive and create a secure environment for female players.
Can you share any personal experiences where you’ve witnessed women excel or break barriers in sports, and how it inspired or shaped your outlook?
There are many examples of women excelling in sports, especially in India. If you look at the number of medals won, a significant portion belongs to women. In fact, we’ve seen more success stories in sports from women compared to men. This itself is a strong source of inspiration for many young girls to take up sports.
Bhaichung Bhutia’s vision for women in football is both inspiring and urgent. His insights underscore the crucial need for structural support, better facilities, and stronger representation of women in coaching and leadership roles. More importantly, his message to young girls aspiring to break barriers is simple yet profound—play with passion, believe in your dreams, and become the role models who redefine the future of women’s football in India.
As we celebrate women’s achievements in sports, it’s clear that progress is being made, but there is still a long road ahead. With leaders like Bhutia advocating for change, the future of women’s football in India looks promising, filled with opportunities to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
