India’s FIFA World Cup dream is alive: Ashalata Devi

Indian women’s football stalwart Ashalata Devi said the dream of seeing the country play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup remains alive, but stressed that sustainable progress at the grassroots level is crucial to bridging the gap with the global elite.

«Our dream of the World Cup is still alive. We have to work even harder at the moment,» Ashalata said PTI videos.

The veteran defender pointed out that all three national teams – Under-17, U-20 and the senior squad – have qualified for their respective AFC Asian Championships, making 2026 a potentially defining year for the women’s game in India.

«Under-17, Under-20 and the senior team have already qualified for AFC (competitions). If we do well there, obviously our dream of the World Cup is still alive,» she said.

Ashalata, one of the highest-capped players in the history of Indian women’s football – who has earned more than 100 caps and captained the national team several times – said the (senior) team has made steady progress but still falls short of world-class standards.

«We have been doing better for a long time, but we are still not there at the world level. Still, we are trying a lot,» she said.

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«I have so much confidence in the players. Their passion, hard work and dedication – they have been working for so many years. I really hope that this time we qualify for the World Cup and do better for Indian women’s football.»

The importance of the basics

After spending more than a decade anchoring India’s defense, Ashalata identified grassroots development as the biggest area needing immediate attention.

“The problem is that we skip the basics and go straight to the technical aspects,” she said.

“In my time, I started playing football at the age of 13. Now many players start at the age of 10 or 11. But if we start at the age of five or six, the learning becomes much better.” She emphasized that acquiring skills becomes increasingly difficult as one grows older.

«After 17 or 18 years, learning skills like ball control becomes very difficult. By then, players play more through expression than learning. That’s why basic football is very important,» she added.

While acknowledging the role of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the senior pro said the responsibility should also lie with state associations.

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«AIFF plays a big role but every state has its own association. They have to show interest and take initiative. Everything cannot be done at the highest level alone,» Ashalata said, adding that consistency at the state level is essential to create a sustainable pipeline of talent.

Doing her bit for the sport

Off the field, Ashalata has already started planning her contribution to the game beyond her playing career through the Ashalata Devi Football Festival (ADFF), which she started along with compatriot Aditi Chauhan in Imphal.

«I never knew what I would do after retirement other than football. I still feel connected to football and I wanted to do something for it,» she said.

Based on her own experiences, Ashalata said the festival aims to ensure that young players do not have to choose between football and education.

«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 have to face what I struggled with,» she said.

The initiative, which focuses on combining football training with education, has already exceeded expectations.

«I had planned about 50 players but almost 47 to 48 kids came. I never expected such a response and I am very happy,» concluded Ashalata.

Published on January 17, 2026