Ravi Kumar Punia Confident of India’s Women’s FIFA World Cup Qualification: “201% Sure”
New Delhi: Indian football coach Ravi Kumar Punia, currently associated with Indian Women’s League side HOPS FC, has expressed unwavering confidence in the Indian women’s national team’s journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, stating that qualification is not just a hope, but a near certainty within the next few years.
Speaking to IANS after India’s recent qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, Punia said, “This qualification is just the beginning. I am 201% sure we will qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup within the next 3–4 years based on how the team is performing now.”
Ground-Level Impact and Coaching Journey
Ravi Punia has played a vital role at the grassroots of Indian women’s football. He led Dadra and Nagar Haveli to their first-ever victory in the Junior Girls’ National Football Championship, and later guided Haryana’s senior women’s team to a runner-up finish in the 2023–24 Senior Women’s National Championship.
His coaching career began after a career-halting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, forcing him to transition from playing to coaching. “It’s difficult for any sportsperson to accept when it’s time to stop playing. I still haven’t accepted it fully—I continue to play in the local Rajasthan League, despite my injuries,” said Punia.
After recovery, Punia joined Dadra and Nagar Haveli’s senior men’s team as an assistant coach for the Santosh Trophy. A sudden opportunity to coach the women's team led to a historic run, winning the Under-17 Nationals in Guwahati, Assam—marking the region’s first participation and title win in the tournament.
Rise Through the Ranks
Punia’s consistent dedication saw him coach for Rajasthan United, Haryana’s sub-junior and junior girls’ teams, and HOPS FC in the Indian Women’s League. Over the past four years, he has moved between sub-junior, junior, and senior women’s nationals, and the IWL, with virtually no off-season. “There’s no break. After the nationals, I move directly into IWL. It’s relentless,” he said.
The Role of Crispin Chhetri and Indian Arrows
Highlighting the success of Indian Arrows and the influence of Crispin Chhetri, the current Odisha FC head coach, Punia said, “The Indian Arrows qualified with a squad of Under-17 girls. The number of matches has increased due to IWL and senior nationals. Crispin knows these players well—he coached them in IWL and has strong tactical knowledge. His understanding of the players is making a big difference.”
Eyes Set on the IWL Championship
While Punia missed the 2024–25 season with HOPS FC due to commitments at the National Games, he served as an assistant coach at Rajasthan United. He confirmed he will return to HOPS FC for the upcoming season and has ambitious plans.
“We’re signing strong players, including those from the national team. Last year’s champions finished near the bottom—so anything can happen. But as HOPS FC’s coach, I assure you we’re going all out to win the IWL title,” he stated.
Playstyle and Vision
A tactician rooted in Haryana’s sporting culture, Punia prefers a counter-attacking approach with a 4-3-3 formation, reflecting a “play-to-win” mentality that has shaped his coaching identity.
His journey from injury-stricken footballer to a coach driving change at the grassroots level showcases his resilience and deep commitment to developing Indian women’s football—a sport he believes is on the brink of international breakthrough.