Indian Women's League 2021 postponed until further notice

The competition was earlier set to take place later in April 2021.

Based on the request and discussion with Odisha Sports over the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state and adhering to the guidelines of the Government of Odisha along with keeping in mind the safety and security of the players and officials, the Hero Indian Women’s League scheduled to be held in Odisha later this month has been postponed until further notice.

"The AIFF along with Odisha Sports and the participating teams will be taking a stock of the situation once the health parameters improve," a statement by the country's apex governing body read.

Earlier, it was announced that the Hero Indian Women's League – annual women's football competition will kickstart later in April 2021 in Odisha. The government of Odisha had taken an initiative to host the league this year. "The Government of Odisha has been a great supporter of Indian Football. We are very thankful to Shri Naveen Patnaik ji, Mr. Vishal Kumar Dev, Mr. Vineel Krishna and & the entire Sports Department of Odisha for extending all the support & help to organise the Hero Indian Women’s League," Praful Patel, President of the AIFF, was quoted as saying.

In the build-up to the competition, even the head coach of senior women's national team, Maymol Rocky had expressed her delight. "Many top players have come out of the Hero Indian Women's League in the past few years, and I intend to make sure that that trend continues this time as well. I am looking forward to watching all the matches, and finding new players for the Senior National Team," she stated.

However, there has been surge in COVID-19 cases in the past month and organizers had to take a decision. Unfortunately, the postponement of the competition comes as a blow for the women footballers in the country who have been out of action since a long time.

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