By- L. Santosh
The FIFA Women's World Cup was brought to life on the initiative of Dr. JOAO HAVELANGE, then president of FIFA. The first competition was played in the People's Republic of China in November 1991 and proved to be a resounding success. The expectations that FIFA placed on Women's football have certainly been fulfilled. A project which would have been perceived as idealistic has now materialized in the most auspicious way with the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup expected to be the largest Women's World Championship in history.A new era in India sports began with the birth of Women Football Federation of India in 1975. The Federation made hectic efforts for the develoment and expansion of women football in the country. The first significant event was the organization of Inter-zonal league for Kamala Nehru Trophy from 3rd to 7th January 1976 at Nagpur following five Zone wise tournaments East, West, North, South & Central. The continued dedications of the WFFI cannot be underestimated as it sowed the seed of women football in our soil and nurtured to produce its full growth.
The All Manipur Sports Association introduced women football in 1976 following the national way. Its organized women's football league with "Dhanachandra Memorial Trophy" in 1976.When the AMSA was bifurcated the following Priciples of 'one Association one Discipline' the Manipur Women Football Association was formed and affiliated to WFFI. Since then a great impelus in women football was explored under the patronage of MWFA in the state. However, a turn came following a decision of FIFA taken on 19th May 1984 in Zurich direction all football activities thus also women's football and their integration in the National association and finally evolved two possible solutions.
The direct integration of women football as a special section belonging to the National Association and
A mere independent organization remaining under the control of National Association.
The FIFA directed the Nation Association to create harmonious development of women football within the big family of FIFA. On 22nd May 1985 the Asian Football Confederation directed all the Asian Women Football Federations that at the National level the women football be brought under the control of National Associations by adopting either of the two possible solutions evolved by the Technical Department following the directive of AFC, the WFFA had to choose its direct integration with AIFF or to be a mere organization under the control of AIFF but failed to comply the directive for about five years. Finally, the AIFF directed its affiliated units to take over the activities of women's football without further delay.
Consequent upon the AIFF directive the All-Manipur Football Association took over the activities of women football in 1991. Since then tremendous achievements and commendable standards in women's football have been achieved. In 1992, the first Senior Women's National Football Championship was held at Imphal. West Bengal and Manipur emerged as the champion and runner-up respectively. After 12 years the 13th championship is hosted at Imphal. Out of the twelve Nationals held so far Manipur has won the championship ten times and runner-up twice.
It is disappointing to note that the Federation Cup introduced in 1992 has been discontinued. However the AIFF on 14th December 1996 in response to FIFA & AFC directives, with this merger the growth and expansion of women's football in the country has been accelerating. Following the directives of the AIFF, the All-Manipur Football Association has been initiating concrete calendar, such as football development programme for u-12 & u-14 girls, sub-junior, junior and senior Inter Districts, winner cup, etc. besides participation in all National championship u-17, u-19, and senior. When AIFF introduced the 1st Dr. Jayalalitha International Invitation Football Tournament in 1994 at Madras 10 girls from Manipur represented in country. In the 10th Asian Women's Football championship in 1995 at Malayasia nine Manipur girls, the 11th Asian Women's Football championship in 1997 at china nine Manipur girls, the 13th Asian Games, 1998 at Bangkok nine from Manipur, the 12th Asian championship (1999) at Phillipines eight from Manipur,the 13th Asian championship (2001) at Chinese Taipei nine from Manipur,the 2003 AFC Women's championship eleven from Manipur represented in country.
AIFF has organized u-19 girls National Football championships three times. Manipur has won the title twice and was runners-up in the first Nationals in Goa. A permanent personality AFC "C" licence holder in women section K. Lokeshori Devi, L. Chaoba devi, and S. Kumari Devi. They are looking forward for developing of Manipur Women's Football, K. Lokeshori Devi has also attended the youth coaching course of AFC in 2003 at Malaysia and India former captain S. Kumari Devi has been nominated as a member of the AIFF executive committee. She is also one of the members of the AFC Women's committee representing AIFF. Manipur women's football becomes truly superior which strives towards Excellency in the country.
0 comments