A trailblazing all-female, all-American refereeing team during the historic FIFA World Cup moment in Atlanta reminded us of the exemplary achievements of two Manipur Women who dashed all obstacles to reach the global football stage. It was only the second time in men’s FIFA World Cup history that an all-women refereeing team managed a match – a milestone that connects with Manipur’s own football revolution, where FIFA referees Ranjita Devi Tekcham and Elangbam Debala Devi are taking Indian women’s refereeing to international platforms.
Quick Glance
- An all-female American referee team created history at the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
- Manipur’s Ranjita Devi Tekcham holds the FIFA International Referee Badge.
- Elangbam Debala Devi has emerged as a FIFA Assistant Referee from Thoubal district.
- Manipur continues to strengthen India’s presence in global football officiating.
Agartala/Imphal: Women’s football officiating has entered a new era. A landmark moment arrived at the Atlanta Stadium during the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and South Africa.
The match witnessed an all-American, all-women officiating team controlling proceedings. Head referee Tori Penso, along with assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt and Brooke Mayo, created history.
This achievement became only the second occasion in men’s FIFA World Cup history when an all-women referee team handled a match. The first such milestone came during the Qatar 2022 World Cup when French referee Stéphanie Frappart officiated a men’s tournament match.
However, this global breakthrough also reflects a powerful movement growing in Northeast India. Manipur, known as a football hub of India, has produced women officials who are challenging traditional boundaries and earning international recognition.
Ranjita Devi Tekcham From Manipur: A FIFA Refereeing Pioneer
Among the leading names from Manipur is Ranjita Devi Tekcham. Her journey represents determination, adaptation, and resilience.
Tekcham belongs to Khongjam Bazar in Thoubal district, reported The Sangai Express. Her connection with football started in 1999 when she began playing the sport.
For nearly a decade, she competed as a player. However, a health-related challenge forced her to leave competitive football in 2009.
Instead of moving away from the game, Tekcham chose another path. She entered refereeing and started building a career as a match official.
Tekcham drew inspiration from her elder brother, who had also dreamed of becoming a national-level referee. Her early life was difficult. Daughter of a farming family, she had to endure financial struggles. Access to proper football equipment, boots, and jerseys remained a challenge.
Despite these obstacles, Tekcham continued training. She regularly worked on her fitness alongside male referees in Imphal.
Timeline of Ranjita Devi Tekcham’s Football Journey
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Started playing competitive football |
| 2009 | Shifted focus from playing to refereeing |
| 2013 | Joined the 9th Indian Reserve Battalion of Manipur Police |
| 2015 | Returned to active refereeing after training restrictions |
| 2016 | Earned National Referee Grade II Certificate |
| 2017 | Officiated major men’s domestic matches including I-League qualifiers |
| 2018 | Received FIFA International Referee Badge |
Tekcham later became a recognised official in Asian football. She has handled matches at major competitions, including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, and Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers.
Her success shows how Indian women officials can compete at the highest level of international football.
Elangbam Debala Devi Adds Strength to Manipur’s Football Legacy
Manipur’s contribution does not end with Tekcham. The state has also produced another international official, Elangbam Debala Devi.
Debala comes from Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district. Born in 1997, she earlier played football at the national level before moving into refereeing.
She began her transition toward officiating in 2016. Her academic background also strengthened her sporting knowledge. She completed a Master’s Degree in Physical Education and Sports.
This combination of playing experience and sports science understanding helped her develop as a modern football official.
In 2025, Debala earned her FIFA Assistant Referee Badge. She now represents India on international football platforms.
Manipur’s Role in India’s Football Officiating Growth
Manipur has created a strong identity in Indian football. The state has produced talented players, coaches, and referees over several decades.
The rise of Tekcham and Debala in the global football stage follows the path created by Ch. Keilyani Chanu, who became the first woman from Manipur to receive a FIFA Referee Badge.
Their achievements highlight the changing face of football officiating. Women are no longer limited to specific roles in the sport. They are now controlling major matches and earning respect worldwide.
The Atlanta World Cup moment showed that gender is not a barrier in elite football. Similarly, Manipur’s women referees are proving that dedication and skill can overcome traditional limitations.
Why Manipur Matters in Global Women’s Football Officiating
The success of Manipur’s referees carries importance beyond individual achievements.
The state’s football culture provides opportunities for young athletes and officials. It also inspires more women to enter professional sports.
Government bodies, sports organisations, and football associations in Northeast India continue to focus on improving sporting infrastructure and opportunities.
With more women entering refereeing, Manipur is becoming an important centre for India’s football development.
People Also Ask
Who is Ranjita Devi Tekcham?
Ranjita Devi Tekcham is a FIFA International Referee from Manipur who has officiated major domestic and international football matches.
Which district of Manipur produced FIFA women referees?
Thoubal district of Manipur has produced internationally recognised women officials, including Ranjita Devi Tekcham and Elangbam Debala Devi.
When did Ranjita Devi Tekcham receive her FIFA referee badge?
Ranjita Devi Tekcham received her FIFA International Referee Badge in 2018.