Rupa Devi, Tamil Nadu's First Woman FIFA Referee
Rupa Devi, 19, will be officiating football matches at the upcoming South Asian Games.
Nineteen-year-old Rupa Devi is Tamil Nadu's FIFA-approved first woman referee and her first assignment is to officiate matches in Shillong at the South Asian Games starting February 5.
A footballer from her school days, Rupa captained the women's team. But her calling was to officiate matches and the football association at her hometown in Dindigul nurtured her. In 2012, she qualified to be a referee. With a three-year experience, FIFA endorsed her as an international referee.
"I enjoy and love football. That's why I've got this chance. I'm so happy. I'd now begin with junior matches and as I prove I'd get to referee senior men's matches," Rupa said.
India have had just five woman football referees. Rupa's accomplishment would inspire many women to conquer this less chartered field.
A Science graduate with a degree in Physical Education, Rupa is also qualified to be a Health Inspector. Though football is her first love, the young achiever wants a government job.