Women’s football in India is steadily rising, with increased recognition and support. The Indian Women’s League (IWL) is India’s most popular football league for women, contributing significantly to the sport’s growth. Established in 2016 by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the IWL has created a professional platform for female footballers, raising the level of competition and motivating a new generation of players.
Structure and Format of IWL
The Indian Women’s League initially used a centralized venue-based framework with a league-wide knockout system. However, to increase competitiveness and fan involvement, the 2023-24 season added a two-legged round-robin style with a home-and-away system. This move enables teams to hold matches in their home cities, enhancing local support and giving players greater exposure.
Participating Teams in IWL 2024-25
The IWL’s 2024-25 season comprises eight teams from various regions, demonstrating the widespread interest in Indian women’s football:
HOPS FC (New Delhi)
Gokulam Kerala FC (Kozhikode)
Sethu FC (Madurai)
East Bengal (Kolkata)
Kickstart FC (Bengaluru)
Odisha FC (Bhubaneswar)
Sreebhumi FC (Kolkata)
Nita Football Academy (Cuttack)
These clubs represent various sections of India, which helps the league’s general growth and popularity.
3. Achievements and Champions
Over the years, the IWL has produced dominating clubs that have influenced the landscape of Indian women’s football. Gokulam Kerala FC is the most successful club in IWL history, having won three championships. However, in the 2024-25 season, Odisha FC won their first championship, marking a significant milestone in their football career.
Impact on Women’s Football in India
The rise of India’s most popular football league has had a huge impact on the development of women’s football in the country. The IWL has offered a professional platform for female footballers to compete at a high level.
Assisted in the identification and development of talented players for the national squad.
Encouraged youth engagement, pushing young girls to pursue football as a serious professional path.
Increased media coverage and sponsorship, resulting in better financial support for teams and players.
The Road Ahead
Despite improvement, obstacles still exist in India’s women’s football. Limited infrastructure, societal views, and inconsistent investment have prevented the sport from reaching its full potential. However, with greater backing from the AIFF, corporate sponsors, and grassroots initiatives, the future appears brighter. The most prominent football leagues, such as the IWL, are creating a solid basis for women’s football in India. As more talent emerges and money increases, the idea of seeing India play at the highest level in women’s football becomes more feasible.
Conclusion
The Indian Women’s League (IWL) has emerged as the backbone of women’s football in India. By giving athletes opportunities to develop and compete, the league is influencing the sport’s future. The IWL, the most popular football league for women in the country, is playing an important part in the evolution of Indian women’s football, paving the way for more success on the world stage.
“Explore the rise of India women’s football through the Indian Women’s League (IWL), the most popular football league shaping the future of women’s football in India.”
