Riiohlang Dhar set to make history at AFC Women’s Champions League

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 28, 2025

Riiohlang Dhar is set to make history as the first Indian to officiate at the AFC Women’s Champions League. She has been selected as one of eight assistant referees for the semifinals and final of the 2024-25 season, to be held next month in Wuhan, China.

The semifinals are scheduled for 21st May, with the final set for 24th May.

Dhar is a FIFA-certified assistant referee who has steadily made her mark on the international stage. In 2024, she became only the second Indian match official to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, serving at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Alongside her international duties, Dhar serves as a policewoman with the Meghalaya Police. Earlier this year, she officiated at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in Indonesia, further establishing herself as one of India’s top match officials.

Over the years, she has been part of major tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2016 in Jordan, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, and more.

Her latest appointment marks another significant milestone in her career, serving as an inspiration to aspiring referees across India.