AIFF Appoints Karnataka-based Harsha Saini & Pooja as National Referees

By: WE Staff | Monday, 17 January 2022

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Harsha Saini and Pooja as the first two women from Karnataka to be national referees.

In a statement to the Karnataka State Football Association, the AIFF announced that two Bengaluru-based referees passed the written test for category two upgrading in Gwalior on January 11, 2022.

Harsha, who was overjoyed, explained, “I was surprised when I got the call from our referees committee chairman Bala sir.” The 23-year-old, who holds an MBA and works for a multinational corporation, stated that she will strive hard to win FIFA's recognition.

“There are only four women in India — two referees and two assistant referees — who have got the FIFA badge. I have to put in my best efforts to get to that level,” said Harsha has been appointed as a liaison officer for the AFC Women's Asian Cup, in Mumbai.

Harsha was a standout player for SFS College and Kickstart FC in the BDFA competitions, having attended New Bishop Cotton Public School in Singasandra, SFS College in Hebbagodi, and St Joseph's Evening College. Pooja, 24, a year Harsha's senior at SFS college, was ecstatic when she heard the news. “I knew I would clear the test. I’m very happy,” the former state player expressed his happiness.

Pooja's family is from Nepal, and she works as a physical education teacher at Orchid's International School in Horamavu. “I was born and brought up in Bengaluru and studied at BES school, Hebbagodi. I want to officiate in more matches at the national level but my aim is to secure a FIFA badge.” Pooja, who is now in her fifth year as a referee, wants to encourage other girls to take up football. “I’m the first from my family to get into sports and I’m determined to do more.”

Men's national referees Thobias Mervin and Bhagavat Sunder, and assistant referee Abhilash M Suresh, qualified.