Indian women's football team falls to worst ever FIFA ranking in history

The Blue Tigress have reached their record-ever lowest ranking of 69.

The Indian football fraternity is grappling with yet another disheartening development, as the Indian women’s national football team has plunged to its lowest-ever FIFA ranking, now standing at 69th as of December 13, 2024.

This decline underscores a worrying trend that has been years in the making. Over the past two years, the rankings have steadily dropped—56th on June 17, 2022, to 61st by October 13, 2022, and further down to 65th on December 15, 2023, before reaching the current low.

For a team once ranked within the top 50 in December 2013, this trajectory marks a dismal fall from grace. For a squad led by the resilient Ashalata Devi, this predicament is a grim reminder of the pressing challenges Indian women’s football faces today.

Indian women’s football team performance

The Blue Tigresses began 2024 with optimism, registering victories against Estonia and Hong Kong, hinting at a resurgence. However, the subsequent months have unraveled a disappointing narrative, with the team succumbing to defeats against Kosovo, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, and most recently, Bangladesh.

These losses underline a worrying lack of consistency and preparedness, reflecting the larger systemic issues that plague the women’s football ecosystem in India.

Historically, the Indian women’s football team has been a beacon of hope and inspiration. They have secured silver medals at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and clinched gold medals thrice at the South Asian Games. Additionally, the team has lifted the South Asian Women’s Championship trophy five times, establishing themselves as a dominant force in regional football.

These accolades are a testament to their potential and resilience, making their current struggles even more disheartening. The consistent drop in rankings over the last two years highlights systemic inadequacies, including the lack of sustained investment, infrastructure, and development programs for women’s football in India.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) must take immediate and decisive action to reverse this trend. This includes bolstering grassroots development programs, enhancing infrastructure, ensuring access to top-notch training facilities, and creating opportunities for women players to compete on a global stage. The need for sustained financial backing and a robust support system cannot be overstated.

History has shown their ability to overcome adversities and achieve greatness. The road ahead is arduous, but with a clear vision, strategic planning, and unwavering support, the Indian women’s national football team can rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among Asia’s footballing elite. The rankings from 56th in 2022 to 69th in 2024 serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved.

The resilience and potential of the Blue Tigresses deserve unwavering support, ensuring a brighter, more successful future. It will be crucial to observe how the AIFF navigates this crisis and implements reforms to restore pride and hope in Indian women’s football.

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