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Miss Rupa’s origin
If in the near future you see an Indian lady officiating an international football match, you most likely would be seeing Ms Rupa Devi. She is a resident and teacher from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu has been selected by FIFA to officiate future International football matches. She was the only Indian selected as part of the Asian body’s ‘Future referees’ project back in 2013 and now holds the honor of being one of India’s first women referees to officiate on the international stage.
Her education and her footballing background
Rupa devi’s tryst with football started during her college days when she played for her college team for Madurai Kamarajar University. It is worthwhile to note that she had also represented the district, state and national teams respectively. Her excellent track record in sports has not stopped Rupa from excelling in her academics, as she has an educational background in Chemistry as well as Physical education.
An illustrious track record
Rupa’sprogress to FIFA follows an envious track record which includes officiating at state and national level matches and the AFC Under-14 Football Festival held in Doha, 2013. Her run up to Doha, 2013 was aided by her refereeing experience in Srilanka, Jabalpur and Jamshedpur. All she has achieved in a short span of time, Ms Rupa is just 24 years old and she without a doubt has a lot to look forward to.
Someone did it before in 2002 FIFA World Cup
The previous news maker wrt Indian refree making their entry into global arena was Mr Komaleeswaran Shankar, hailing from Chennai, became the first Indian to officiate at FIFA World Cup 2002. Football fever has been rising rapidly, it is an untapped market largely, however football fans who follow various clubs from the European leagues is growing rapidly in number. Ms Rupa Devi is perhaps symbolic of this rising tide towards football.
The Logical Indian wishes Ms Rupa Devi the very best for her future and thanks her for making her country proud.
