Nadiya Nighat: A trailblazer of women's football in Kashmir

In the heart of Kashmir, where societal norms often dictate the paths women take, Nadiya Nighat has been defying conventions for years.

The first-ever female football coach from Kashmir, Nadiya has dedicated herself to uplifting young women through the sport.

Now, with the Women’s Football Referees Workshop held in Srinagar on February 21 and 22, she believes a new wave of opportunity has arrived for aspiring women referees in the region.

A pioneer in Kashmiri football

Born and raised in Rambagh, Srinagar, Nadiya’s journey in football began in an unexpected way. As an 11-year-old, she was more inclined toward cricket but found herself drawn to football when she noticed boys playing near her home.

"I didn’t even know football was a sport at that time. All I knew was that I liked kicking a ball," she recalls.

Despite facing gender bias and societal challenges, Nadiya persisted.

In 2015, at just 19, she became Kashmir’s first female football coach.

Since then, she has not only played the sport at the national level, including a recent stint at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, but has also taken up the role of a mentor, inspiring young girls to take up football.

A Dream Beyond Personal Success

Despite her many achievements, Nadiya still harbors a personal dream—one that extends beyond her own aspirations. "It might seem unrealistic, but I still dream of playing for the Indian national team. I just want to attend at least one national camp—not for myself, but so that young girls in Kashmir have a role model they can look up to," she says.

"We have many women here who haven’t played professional football but want to become referees. A workshop like this helps them take that step forward and acquire crucial skills. I am sure that some of the 16 women from Kashmir who participated will go on to officiate at the highest level," she added.

The Women’s Football Referees Workshop, organized by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), was one of a kind and Nadiya believes this initiative is crucial for women in Kashmir.

The Srinagar workshop was just the beginning. RFYS and AIFF plan to hold similar sessions in Kolkata (March 1-2), Shillong (March 8-9), Chennai (March 15-16), and Mumbai (March 19-20), ensuring that more women across the country gain the knowledge and confidence needed to become professional referees.

For women in the region, role models like Nadiya and platforms like these are crucial.

She stands as proof that football is not just a sport but a tool for empowerment, change, and breaking barriers.