Indian women’s football has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few years, and one of its most influential voices, Dalima Chhibber, believes the team is capable of achieving the biggest dream in the sport—qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 26-year-old defender, known for her leadership skills and powerful free-kicks, recently shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, challenges, and the roadmap to making India a force in women’s football on the global stage.
Rising Ambitions of Indian Women’s Football
Over the past decade, Indian women’s football has seen an increase in grassroots participation, professional league opportunities, and exposure to international competition. The Indian Women’s League (IWL) has been instrumental in offering domestic players regular competitive matches, while the national team has taken part in numerous international friendlies and tournaments.
Dalima, a vital member of the national squad, believes that these developments have given the team a foundation to aim higher. She emphasizes that while the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be challenging, it is not an impossible dream.
Dalima Chhibber’s Journey: From Chandigarh to National Glory
Born in Chandigarh, Dalima grew up in a sports-oriented family, which fueled her passion for football. She made her senior national debut at the age of 18 and has since been a constant presence in the backline. Known for her defensive awareness and ability to launch long-range attacks, she has played a key role in the team’s SAFF Women’s Championship victories and solid performances in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
Her career trajectory—balancing education, professional commitments, and international football—has made her a role model for young female athletes in India.
Why Dalima Believes FIFA World Cup Qualification is Possible
In a recent interaction, Dalima highlighted several reasons for her optimism:
- Improved Grassroots Development: More young girls are playing football in schools and academies.
- Professional League Structure: The Indian Women’s League has helped bridge the gap between domestic and international football.
- International Exposure: The team’s participation in friendly matches against higher-ranked opponents has improved tactical awareness.
- Support from AIFF: Increased investment in training camps, coaching, and fitness programs.
Current FIFA Women’s Rankings for India
| Year | FIFA Rank | Key Tournaments Played |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 55 | AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers |
| 2022 | 61 | AFC Women’s Asian Cup |
| 2023 | 66 | Friendly Tournaments in Brazil & Sweden |
| 2024 | 64 | SAFF Championship, Olympic Qualifiers |
While the ranking shows fluctuations, the consistency in international appearances indicates steady growth.
Challenges on the Road to World Cup Qualification
Dalima acknowledged that while progress is being made, certain hurdles must be addressed:
- Longer Competitive Season: The IWL needs more matches to help players gain consistent competitive experience.
- Investment in Youth Teams: A structured U-17 and U-20 women’s league will strengthen the senior team in the long run.
- Fitness and Recovery Facilities: Modern recovery methods and fitness tracking need to be widely implemented.
- Exposure to Stronger Teams: Regular friendlies against top 20 FIFA-ranked nations will help improve game quality.
Indian Women’s Team Recent Performances
| Tournament | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAFF Championship | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 3 |
| Olympic Qualifiers | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Friendly Matches | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 |
These results demonstrate competitive performances, though the team still needs to improve consistency against higher-ranked sides.
Dalima’s Message to Young Players
Dalima encourages aspiring footballers to remain patient and dedicated. “The journey to the World Cup is not a one-year plan—it’s a continuous process. Each training session, each match, each tournament we play is a step towards our ultimate goal,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of mental strength, fitness discipline, and technical skill development from a young age.
Upcoming Roadmap for the Indian Women’s Team
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s football:
- More International Friendlies in 2025 against Asian and European teams.
- Expansion of the Indian Women’s League to include more clubs and longer seasons.
- Specialized Coaching Programs for defenders, goalkeepers, and strikers.
- Collaboration with International Clubs for player exchange programs.
Potential Path to FIFA World Cup Qualification
To qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, India will need to perform exceptionally well in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which acts as the continental qualifier. Dalima believes that a top-four finish is possible with the right preparation, mental focus, and tactical execution.
If the team can maintain its growth trajectory, consistently challenge higher-ranked Asian teams like Japan, Australia, and China, and strengthen its attacking efficiency, the World Cup dream could soon become reality.
Conclusion
Dalima Chhibber’s belief that the Indian women’s football team can qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup is more than just optimism—it’s a reflection of the team’s evolving capabilities, growing infrastructure, and increased public support.
While challenges remain, the combination of youth talent, experienced players, and administrative backing could make the next decade the most significant in the history of Indian women’s football.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available information, expert opinions, and public statements. It is intended for general informational purposes and does not represent the official stance of the All India Football Federation or the Indian women’s football team.
